United News of Bangladesh

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said women hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men worldwide. In a message marking the International Women’s Day that falls on March 8, he said legal discrimination can shape every aspect of a woman’s life. “She may be prevented from owning property, seeking a divorce, or taking a job without her husband’s permission. In more than 40 countries, marital rape is not recognized as a crime,” said the UN chief. The day focuses on rights, action and justice for all women and girls. He said other laws restrict women’s access to education, their ability to pass on citizenship to their children, or even their freedom of movement outside the home. Where legal protections do exist, discrimination and weak enforcement mean women still struggle to access courts and legal support, Guterres said. “Many of these unjust laws have been on the books for centuries. But today, we are also witnessing a dangerous new trend. Amid rising authoritarianism, growing political instability, and a renewed push to entrench patriarchy, hard-won advances are being rolled back — from fairer work protections to sexual and reproductive rights,” he said. Guterres said they must unite to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda. Guterres condemns drone attack in Sudan that killed Bangladeshi peacekeepers By fighting discriminatory laws and practices, and defending the progress already achieved, he said they can ensure the dignity, opportunity and freedom all women deserve. “When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal. It is time to make justice a reality for women and girls, everywhere,” Guterres.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday said Bangladesh and India share a rich history and a profound cultural connection, noting that the indelible memory of their shared sacrifices during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 continues to unite the peoples of the two countries. “Today, as two vibrant and forward-looking societies, we stand at the threshold of a promising future - the one in which we can work together, to bring shared prosperity, not only to our two countries, but also to the wider region,” he said while speaking at an Iftar hosted by the High Commission of India at a city hotel. Indian envoy meets PM’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, discusses bilateral issues, regional stability The High Commissioner said India has always supported - and will continue to support - a ‘democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive’ Bangladesh. Ministers, political leaders from both from the ruling party and opposition leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present at the event. “Your esteemed presence at this Iftar gathering today, is a meaningful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” said the High Commissioner. Bangladesh, India agree to work towards boosting bilateral trade The envoy said the holy month of Ramadan is a deeply special time of the year, and they are honored to extend their warm greetings to all on this blessed occasion. “Iftar is a moment of reflection. It is a time to express gratitude, to remember those around us, and to think about the well-being of humanity as a whole. It is also a moment when people come together, to appreciate and celebrate the many blessings in life,” said the High Commissioner. He said this sacred month reminds them of the enduring values that lie at the heart of their faiths, and cultures - the values like compassion, empathy, generosity, and kindness. “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the strong bonds of friendship, as well as the deep societal and familial ties between India and Bangladesh, which make our relationship truly people-centric,” High Commissioner Verma said. He extended his warmest wishes to all across Bangladesh, who are observing the holy month of Ramadan. “May this blessed month bring you and your families good health, peace, prosperity, and happiness. May this holy month renew and reinforce our shared values of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. May this blessed month also remind us that, above all, we are united by our common humanity,” said the High Commissioner. “May this sacred month strengthen our collective resolve to stand together in friendship and solidarity,” he added.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman will attend the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at Lancaster House in London on Sunday, an event that is also being viewed as an opportunity for Bangladesh to seek broader support for its candidature for the Presidency of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir will accompany the foreign minister during the five-day official visit to London, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB on Saturday. During the visit, the foreign minister and the adviser are expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CFAMM with their counterparts from participating countries. Bangladesh has been actively engaging with different countries to garner support for its candidature and has already secured broad backing from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several other partners beyond the bloc, a diplomatic source told UNB. "Bangladesh will definitely seize the opportunity in London," he said. The CFAMM will begin with a Retreat from 10:00-13:00 and a formal meeting from 14:00-16:00 on Sunday (London time). Representing the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the Minister of Finance of the Independent State of Samoa, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, will welcome Foreign Affairs Ministers to the retreat and offer remarks. Dhaka sees messages from Myanmar’s FM, AA chief positively The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, will then offer her remarks. A total of 56 independent countries make up the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific and 33 of the world’s 42 small states are Commonwealth members. This CFAMM is significant as it will signal the start of Commonwealth Day activities, marked every year on the second Monday in March.  This 26th meeting will bring together Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers to address the role of the Commonwealth in a fast-changing international landscape; and explore impactful and transformative solutions to unlock opportunities together for shared prosperity across the Commonwealth, in the face of a fractured global climate. It is the first time that Foreign Ministers will come together within the platform of an executive retreat, which will provide a plan of action for a bold, practical Commonwealth, according to the Commonwealth headquarters. This will be Secretary-General Botchwey’s second meeting with Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers at CFAMM. Ministers will shape policy priorities leading up to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2026. Antigua and Barbuda will provide updates on the CHOGM preparations; consider reform proposals; and discuss Member Country situations. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) is meeting at Marlborough House, London today (Saturday) in advance of the 26th CFAMM. Together, these meetings will provide a vital platform for Ministers to reflect on how Commonwealth countries and the Secretariat can work together to defend multilateralism in a challenging global context, harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage driving global innovation, trade and investment – as the impetus for a more prosperous Commonwealth. Palestine has recently withdrawn its candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman for the position. The election of the President of the United Nations General Assembly for the eighty first session will be held on June 2 in the General Assembly Hall, UNHQs, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. The President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock will convene the informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986 (1986-87), when the then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected as President of the 41st General Assembly. Forty years later, Bangladesh is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on September 22, 2026. Commonwealth Day Meanwhile, Commonwealth Day 2026 will be celebrated across the Commonwealth on Monday. Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. It is the highlight of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the Commonwealth – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events. This year's theme 'Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth,' highlights how the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth can rally together to face today’s challenges and unlock opportunities that can deliver shared and lasting prosperity for all who live in the  Commonwealth - from the smallest, most remote communities to the biggest cities. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2026 aligns with the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) theme, ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.’ CHOGM 2026 will take place in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November. The Foreign Minister and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs are expected to return home on March 12.

Security personnel at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have arrested four construction workers with cannabis and yaba pills. The arrests took place around 8pm on Friday at the university’s main gate. All four detainees were reportedly working at different construction sites within the campus. Tapas Das, a security officer on duty at the gate, said, when one of them entered the campus, his pants were folded at the knee, which raised suspicion. Upon searching, we found four packets of cannabis, which we reported to the Proctor’s office. A short while later, additional individuals attempting to enter the campus were also searched, and cannabis and yaba were recovered. SUST students announce complete shutdown until SUCSU election Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Rasheduzzaman confirmed the arrests, saying, Security personnel informed us and we arrived at the scene. The matter will be handed over to the police, who will take legal action against them.

A mourning meeting and remembrance gathering were held in Dhaka on Friday to mark the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event was organised by the Bangladesh representative office of the Office of the Leader of Iran, the Bangladesh representative office of Al-Mustafa International University and the Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society. Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi attended the programme as the chief guest. Special guests included Hojjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Shahabuddin Mashayekhi Rad, Bangladesh representative of Iran’s Al-Mustafa International University and Seyyed Reza Mirmohammadi, cultural counsellor of the Iran Cultural Centre in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Hojjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Seyyed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi, president of the Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society and principal of Khulna Islami Shikkha Kendra. Speakers at the event described the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a clear disregard for the global order and a violation of international law. They alleged that innocent civilians, including children, have been affected by the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, describing the strikes as a serious threat to global peace and stability. The speakers also said the escalation of conflict across the Middle East could lead to severe consequences if the situation continues to deteriorate. They criticised the attacks carried out during the holy month of Ramadan, accusing Israel and the United States of demonstrating what they called “terrorist behaviour”. Participants at the gathering said the attacks violated international law, the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of sovereignty of independent states, and strongly condemned the strikes. Representatives of the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka said various political parties and organisations in Bangladesh had organised rallies and demonstrations protesting the attacks on Iran, as well as prayer gatherings and mourning meetings in memory of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The embassy expressed gratitude to those organisations and to the people of Bangladesh for showing solidarity with Iran.

A total of 165 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Libya with the assistance of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They returned to Bangladesh at 5:30am on Friday on a Buraq Air flight. Of the returnees, 143 had been detained at the Ganfouda Detention Centre in Benghazi, while the remaining 22 were distressed, vulnerable and physically ill Bangladeshis who had been living in Benghazi and nearby areas and expressed willingness to return home voluntarily. According to officials, most of the repatriated migrants had entered Libya irregularly after being lured and assisted by human traffickers while attempting to reach Europe illegally by sea. Many of them also alleged that they had been kidnapped and subjected to torture at different times in Libya. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other relevant ministries and the International Organization for Migration received the returnees at the airport. To raise public awareness, the Foreign Ministry requested the returnees to share their difficult experiences with others. The International Organization for Migration provided each returnee with travel allowances, food items, primary medical care and temporary accommodation where necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the International Organization for Migration are continuing to work together to ensure the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals detained at various detention centres in Libya, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thirty-three more Middle Eastern flights to and from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka were cancelled on Friday, raising the total number of flights cancelled to 245 over the past seven days due to the ongoing Gulf region conflict, a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers. Hundreds of passengers bound for Gulf Arab countries were stranded amid immense difficulties following the closure of airspaces by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said. Of the 33 flights cancelled on Friday, four belonged to Kuwait Airways, four to Jazeera (Kuwait) Airways, six to Air Arabia (Sharjah-UAE), four to Qatar Airways, four to Emirates Airlines, five to US-Bangla Airlines, two to Gulf Air (Bahrain), two to FlyDubai, and two to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, according to the CAAB. The United States and Israel jointly launched attacks on Iranian sites on February 28. Iran almost immediately retaliated with attacks on Israeli and US military bases across Middle Eastern countries.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has paid a visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Mexico and signed the condolence book in honor of the late Try Sutrisno, former Vice-President  of Indonesia.  On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, the Ambassador conveyed their deepest condolences on the passing of the Former Vice President of Indonesia. His dedicated service and leadership made significant contributions to the development and stability of Indonesia, said the Bangladesh envoy. Ambassador Mushfiqul said Bangladesh stands in solidarity with the government and the friendly people of Indonesia during this time of mourning.  "May his soul rest in eternal peace," said Ambassador Mushfiqul.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Mia Golam Parwar, on Friday signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka in honour of Iran's Supreme Religious Leader, Shaheed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R.A). Parwar expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Iran on behalf of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He said that the contributions of influential Muslim religious leaders throughout history are always remembered with respect. He prayed that Allah Almighty may grant His infinite mercy on them and give patience and strength to all concerned. He also mentioned that ongoing conflicts and violence in different parts of the world are causing the loss of countless innocent lives, which is very painful. He said that no political goal or interest can ever justify such loss. Realising that the blood of innocent people is sacred in the eyes of Allah, he called on all parties to show restraint, wisdom, and humanity. Parwar was accompanied by Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem. They expressed their sympathy for the people of Iran and the Muslim Ummah, and prayed to Allah Almighty for peace, prosperity, justice, and stability for the Muslim world, including the Middle East.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, where the two sides discussed ways to enhance cultural cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. During the meeting, they held in-depth discussions on expanding cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Yao congratulated Minister Nitai and State Minister Khyom on assuming their new posts. He noted that both China and Bangladesh are ancient civilizations with a profound and long-standing friendship and close cultural ties, which have effectively promoted mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples. China is ready to continue deepening practical cooperation in the cultural field with Bangladesh, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and provide stronger people-to-people support for the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The Bangladesh side extended its appreciation to Ambassador Yao for his congratulations and thanked China for its long-standing support for Bangladesh's cultural development. They expressed their willingness to work hand in hand with China to further promote cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation, injecting new vitality into the long-standing friendship between the two countries.