United News of Bangladesh

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin on Tuesday met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and discussed issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East. During the meeting, they discussed Bangladesh-Russia cooperation, including interaction at the United Nations (UN). Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Middle East in connection with the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, as well as assistance to Bangladesh in the context of the current global fuel and energy crisis, said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka. Ruling out any uncertainty over the country’s energy security, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Ministries Prof Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Sunday said a midterm roadmap for energy security will be presented in the upcoming national budget. “In the upcoming national budget, we will get a roadmap on midterm energy security. In addition, we need a clear investment plan because a roadmap alone is not enough without the necessary financing,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, highlighting the government’s efforts to address the current energy situation. Prof Titumir said the government is taking all necessary steps to tackle energy supply challenges. He stressed that diversifying energy sources is essential to ensuring long-term energy security for the country.

Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen has said judicial independence is essential for democratic governance, economic stability, and public confidence. "Norway is pleased to support Bangladesh in consolidating the important reforms already underway, reforms that modernize court administration, strengthen accountability, and improve dispute resolution for both citizens and businesses," the Ambassador said. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Norway signed an agreement at the Embassy of Norway on Tuesday to support “Consolidating Justice Reforms for Long Term Stability and Economic Growth in Bangladesh 2026.” Norway reaffirms support for Rohingyas with $1m aid The envoy said they believe this initiative will make a meaningful contribution to long‑term stability, stronger institutions, and a justice system that people can trust. The initiative aims to strengthen judicial independence, enhance the operational readiness of the Supreme Court Secretariat, and drive long‑term justice sector reforms to improve public trust and democratic governance. The agreement was signed by Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh. Under this partnership, UNDP and Norway will support infrastructure development and provide essential equipment required to operationalise the Supreme Court Secretariat. The initiative will also build the capacity of newly appointed secretariat staff through specialised training to enhance effective judicial self‑administration. In addition, the project will convene dialogues among the judiciary, government, legal professionals, academia, and civil society to foster deeper understanding and support for judicial independence. Signing the agreement, Stefan Liller said Bangladesh has made significant progress in strengthening the justice sector, from establishing the Supreme Court Secretariat to advancing merit‑based judicial appointments and expanding citizen‑focused services. "This new partnership with Norway will help translate these reforms into sustained institutional practice.” Through this agreement, UNDP and Norway reaffirm their commitment to advancing justice sector reforms and strengthening the rule of law as a foundation for sustainable development and democratic governance in Bangladesh.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said Bangladesh and China are 'comprehensive strategic cooperative partners’ and his country will continue to implement more projects that benefit people and enhance the well-being of both nations. He emphasised that Bangladesh and China are a community with a shared future. "Eid al-Fitr is a time for gratitude and sharing blessings. Through this donation, China aims to convey warmth and support residents in celebrating a peaceful festival," he said at a Eid al-Fitr food packages donation ceremony in Dhaka. Bangladesh, China seek to deepen cultural cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh donated the Eid al-Fitr food packages . Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also attended the donation ceremony, with over 1,000 local residents participating. Ameer Dr. Shafiqul expressed gratitude for the generous donation, noting that the food packages reflect China’s sincere friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. He highlighted the importance Jamaat-e-Islami places on friendly relations with China and expressed willingness to deepen inter-party exchanges, promote more grassroots-level cooperation, and jointly enhance the welfare of the people. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in a message on Tuesday night said they noted with concern some social media’s contents about the charity event attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh were not in consistence with the fact. "We would like to reiterate China’s friendly policy towards Bangladesh and stress that we support the smooth governance by the elected government," said the Embassy. The Chinese side said they will continue to work together with the Bangladesh government to promote their friendship so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended condolences in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following the tragic death of five Bangladeshi nationals and injuries sustained by two others in the devastating fire. The fire broke out in the early hours of March 13 at an accommodation block on the island of ADh. Dhigurah. In his letter, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed profound sadness, stating that during this difficult time, the government and people of the Maldives join in extending deepest condolences to the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh, especially to the bereaved families. Maldives gas explosion: Bangladesh envoy visits injured, pays respects to victims He said the thoughts of Maldivians are with all those affected and wished a swift and complete recovery to those receiving treatment, said the government of Maldives on March 17. Noting that the Bangladeshi community in the Maldives plays a valuable role in society and that the Maldives shares in the grievous loss and sorrow caused by this incident, the President said he has instructed the relevant authorities to closely investigate the matter and take every necessary step to prevent an incident of this scale from occurring again.

Bangladesh and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have observed that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East created major risks to the global economy. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan called on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York on Monday (NY Time). During the meeting, they discussed the current global economic situation against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They urged all relevant parties to avoid further escalation and urgently seek diplomatic solution, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Disruptions in international trade and turmoil in the energy markets are already negatively affecting the developing countries, particularly the poorest among them, who are witnessing reversal of years of progress. Grynspan, who was previously Vice President of Costa Rica, is a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, while Foreign Minister Dr Rahman is a candidate for the President of the 81st session of the United Nations. The two officials discussed their respective candidatures. Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, was present during the meeting. UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday expressed optimism that India will cooperate with Bangladesh as Dhaka seeks further investigation following consular access to those arrested in Kolkata in connection with the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. “We will be able to comment in detail after we receive consular access and conduct our investigation. Efforts are underway from our side, and we hope India will cooperate with us,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. When asked whether consular access had already been granted, the State Minister said the process is currently underway. Earlier, Bangladesh requested consular access to the two main suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. A week after the arrest of the two suspects, the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police detained Philip Sangma, who is accused of helping the key suspects flee the country following Hadi’s killing. Shama Obaed said Bangladesh remains in contact with the Indian authorities and the government is making every effort to secure consular access for the arrested individuals and bring them back. She said the Ministry of Home Affairs is working in this regard.

Bangladesh and France on Monday explored avenues for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, climate action, culture, women empowerment, sustainable development, education and skills development, connectivity, migration, and global peace and security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasising the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, restraint, and respect for international law for maintaining peace, stability and security across the world. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador warmly congratulated the State Minister on her recent assumption of duties and expressed optimism that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France would be further strengthened during her tenure. The State Minister acknowledged France’s longstanding development cooperation with Bangladesh across diverse sectors. She expressed Bangladesh’s interest in exploring additional opportunities to deepen trade and investment relations with the European Union within the framework of existing arrangements and cooperation mechanisms, with a view to sustaining the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exports in the EU market. The State Minister sought France’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the upcoming Presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly for the term 2026-2027, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Séré‑Charlet reaffirmed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh to advance the shared vision of peace, prosperity, and progress.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting human rights, saying the country witnessed repeated violations over the past 17 years. “We have seen how human rights were repeatedly violated in different sectors during the past 17 years,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister said the Bangladesh BNP has formed a ‘humane government’ and reaffirmed its pledge to safeguard human rights. “BNP worked in the past to protect and strengthen human rights. The government will continue efforts to reinforce those protections in the future,” she said when asked about a letter sent by several international human rights organisations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The letter was sent by Amnesty International, ARTICLE 19, Committee to Protect Journalists, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and Tech Global Institute. In the letter, the organisations said the current moment presents ‘an opportunity to write a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.’ “Your actions will have a profound impact on the rights of people in Bangladesh for years to come,” the letter said, adding that the groups look forward to close partnership with the government to support these efforts. Responding to another question, the State Minister said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which was formed to maintain law and order and protect citizens, had been used against people during the tenure of the Awami League government, resulting in human rights violations. Bangladesh’s recently elected Prime Minister and his government face many urgent challenges but can use this opportunity to bring lasting protections of human rights, nine rights groups wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Tarique published on Monday. While the widespread rights violations including enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings under Hasina’s rule ended, the interim government "continued to arbitrarily detain political opponents, and was unable to end mob violence" against journalists, religious minorities, and cultural centers, they said. “Tarique Rahman has been given a wide mandate to bring change, including by many Bangladeshis who risked their lives to overthrow an autocratic government,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Success will require meaningful reform to ensure that independent institutions are capable of delivering accountability and upholding the rule of law, and real commitment to upholding rights such as freedom of religion and expression.” Among the priorities highlighted in the letter are ending arbitrary detention, holding those responsible for past violations accountable, abolishing the abusive Rapid Action Battalion, and protecting ethnic and religious minorities. The groups also said that the government should protect the rights of over a million Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh and establish a strong and independent National Human Rights Commission. The groups made specific recommendations in their letter for policy measures and legislative steps. During the election campaign, the BNP made numerous commitments to safeguard rights, including economic rights, by increasing the resources available for health, education, environmental protections, and social security.

The government of Japan has awarded grants worth $397,335 (about Tk 48.2 million) to two Bangladeshi non-government organisations to support grass-roots human security initiatives. The funding was provided under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) programme. Grant contracts were signed on Monday at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh by Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and representatives of the recipient organisations. Bangladesh, Japan discuss ways to operationalise 3rd terminal of Dhaka airport soon The two beneficiaries are the Garo Baptist Convention Christian Health Project and Asian University for Women (AUW). The Garo Baptist Convention Christian Health Project received $83,827 to expand medical facilities and provide equipment in Joyramkura village in Mymensingh district. The organisation provides healthcare services, particularly to women and children living in remote north-eastern border areas. Its initiative involves a 50-bed hospital project, registered with the government’s health ministry and designed to accommodate up to 100 inpatients.

Bangladesh and India on Monday discussed various aspects of economic cooperation including ways to strengthen transport, energy and digital connectivity between the two countries. The issues were discussed when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Ministries Prof Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. They also 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. In his recent meeting with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, the High Commissioner held wide-ranging discussions on issues of common interest to strengthen India-Bangladesh financial and economic cooperation. Their discussion focused on cooperation in financial sector, emerging areas such as digital economy and artificial intelligence, as well as improving the ease of doing business to promote greater investment and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.