United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh and India should work together to strengthen their interdependencies and transform geographical proximity and growing economic capabilities into new opportunities for mutually rewarding cooperation. He pointed out that Bangladesh and India, as two important economies of the region, are also important drivers for regional integration under the framework of BIMSTEC, whose secretariat is located in Dhaka and which envisions bridging the growth opportunities of South Asia with Southeast Asia. The envoy said this as he was invited by the National Defence College of Bangladesh to address the 2025 NDC course participants on Monday (Sept 15), said the High Commission on Tuesday. The High Commissioner said India will continue to seek a “stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship” with Bangladesh based on mutual respect and mutual sensitivity, with people of both countries as the main stakeholders in this partnership. Hilsa export to India begins; 1,200mt approved for Durga Puja He spoke about India’s foreign policy and development strategy, highlighting India’s growing engagement with the world to promote international cooperation, reforms of global governance and interests of the Global South, as well as to serve India’s quest for inclusive, sustainable and rapid national development. The High Commissioner highlighted the long-term vision of India-Bangladesh relations under India’s foreign policy priorities of “Neighbourhood First”, “Act East Policy”, the MAHASAGAR doctrine, as well as India’s Indo-Pacific Vision.

Bangladesh on Tuesday began exporting hilsa to India, with the government authorising 37 local companies to ship a total of 1,200 metric tonnes ahead of Durga Puja. The Ministry of Commerce issued the approval through an office order signed by Deputy Secretary SHM Magfurul Hasan Abbasi. According to the order, Arif Sea Foods received the largest allocation of 50 metric tonnes, while the remaining companies were permitted to export between 30 and 40 metric tonnes each. The clearance came with several conditions, including adherence to the Export Policy 2024–27. The export window will remain open from September 16 to October 5, and exporters are barred from exceeding their allocated quotas. Dhaka condemns Israeli attack on Qatar Customs officials will strictly monitor consignments to ensure compliance, and exporters seeking future permits must provide proof of export performance under previous approvals. Each shipment will be verified through the ASYCUDA World System to prevent over-exporting. The permits are non-transferable, and exporters are not allowed to subcontract them. The ministry has also reserved the right to revoke the approval at any time if deemed necessary.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said that the partnership between Bangladesh and the EU is a strategic choice when it comes to human rights and the creation of economic opportunities at its core. Ambassador Miller said the EU is helping Bangladesh prepare for "free and fair" elections and supporting reforms in line with the expectations of citizens and businesses. "Our common goal with you is to build prosperity and act together to promote sustainable growth, mobilise investments, and combat climate change," he said while speaking at a discussion at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday. MEPs to discuss HR dimension of Bangladesh-EU relations Sept 16-18 The Association of Former Ambassadors (AOFA) hosted the discussion, titled “EU-Bangladesh Relations: Way Forward,” with AOFA President Abdullah Al Hasan presiding over the session. Referring to his visits across the country, Miller said he wants to understand the needs of communities outside Dhaka and engage with people benefiting from EU-funded programmes implemented by Bangladeshi organisations. "For me, it is very important to hear from the grassroots to know what is going on," he said. The Ambassador said Bangladesh is passing through an incredibly significant moment in its political history. EU lauds Dhaka’s collaborative efforts in addressing irregular migration He said the EU is exploring how it can support Bangladesh’s transition to democratic elections and respond quickly to emerging challenges or requests for assistance. Miller emphasised that the political transition offers a unique opportunity to strengthen respect for fundamental rights, restore democracy, and create space for civil society. The Ambassador also stressed the importance of creating a level playing field for economic operators. Miller said he sees a strong commonality of ambition when discussing reforms in the EU and the transition underway in Bangladesh. "You can certainly rely on us to remain committed to peace, partnership, and cooperation," he said. Ambassador Miller reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to promote stability and prosperity. "Your stability is absolutely our stability, and your prosperity is also our prosperity," he said. On trade, the Ambassador said the EU is open to fair business and highlighted the need to work towards a smooth graduation from the LDC category. Regarding investment, he said the EU is a strong partner, with its Global Gateway initiative focusing on boosting secure and sustainable links in transport, energy, water, digital, and telecom sectors—transforming the country. He said the European Investment Bank (EIB) will double its lending to Bangladesh. "I expect this to happen by the end of this year. This fulfills the promise made by the EIB Vice President during his visit in January."  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, who attended the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha on Monday, strongly condemned the recent Israeli attack on Qatar. He said the unprovoked and unjustifiable Israeli attack on the sovereign territory of Qatar is not merely an attack on Qatar but rather an affront to the dignity of the entire Muslim Ummah. Hossain said Bangladesh views this aggression as part of a reckless adventure by Israel which continues to disregard UN Charter, international humanitarian law and repeated UN resolutions. At the Emergency Summit, Bangladesh called for a coordinated diplomatic, political and economic measures by all OIC Member States to deter further Israeli provocation and aggression. "We must collectively hold Israel accountable for this naked act of aggression and demand an immediate cessation of such illegal activities," he said. The Summit was chaired by the Emir of  Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The OIC Secretary General Hussain Ibrahim Taha and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit delivered their welcome remarks and referred to the charter objectives of respective organisation in upholding the collective peace and security of the Muslim Ummah. The Summit was attended by 24 heads of state and government and the delegations of the remaining countries were led by Foreign Ministers or senior high dignitaries. The leaders in strongest words condemned the Israeli attack on Qatar on 9 September 2025 and vowed for all out support to the safety, security and dignity of the Muslim nations. They also called for an immediate end to Israeli occupation of Gaza and establishment of a Palestinian State following two-State formula with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. The leaders also called for undisrupted access for the people of Gaza to international aid and food supply as Palestinian men and women are dying of starvation. Qatar hosts summit in Doha following Israeli attack on Hamas leaders They unequivocally demanded intervention from the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice to hold Israeli leaders accountable for violating the territorial sovereignty of one after another Muslim States and committing genocide in Palestine. Additional Foreign Secretary M Forhadul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan  accompanied the Foreign Affairs Adviser at the Emergency Summit.  

The Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) hosted a business networking event for bringing together German business houses and EU-origin companies operating in Bangladesh. The event was graced by Mrs. Anja Kersten, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Germany in Dhaka, as the Chief Guest. The event was held in a hotel in Gulshan on Sunday (Sep 14). Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Kersten expressed her delight at joining the German business community in Bangladesh so early in her tenure. She emphasized Germany’s strong and long-standing economic partnership with Bangladesh, noting the critical role of German companies in fostering sustainable growth, skills development, and innovation. “Bangladesh is a valued partner for Germany, particularly in apparel, renewable energy, and emerging industries. I look forward to working closely with BGCCI and the business community to deepen our bilateral ties and open new avenues of cooperation,” Mrs. Kersten said. In the event, BGCCI President M. Maksud emphasized the vital role Germany and the European Union play in Bangladesh’s economy, particularly in apparel, leather, footwear, renewable energies, and emerging export sectors. He reaffirmed BGCCI’s commitment to act as a bridge between businesses, government institutions, and diplomatic partners. He also highlighted the evolving challenges in global trade, including disruptions from geopolitical tensions, rising compliance requirements in European markets, and the growing demand for sustainability across supply chains. He underscored that such developments require close cooperation between businesses, policymakers, and diplomatic partners to ensure resilience and competitiveness. Germany emphasizes peace in Gaza, two-state solution in Indonesia talks Md. Rokonuzzaman, Chair of the event, extended his appreciation to the participating companies and partners, stressing the importance of regular networking events to encourage dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership building. The event concluded with an open networking session, providing a platform for German and Bangladeshi companies to engage directly and explore future collaboration in Bangladesh’s dynamic market, according to a press release.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Bangladesh is prepared to scale up its imports from the United States and hoped that this would pave the way for further tariff reductions, contributing to a more sustainable and mutually beneficial trade partnership. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the United States, particularly in trade, investment, energy and development cooperation. “Thank you very much for the support. We are very happy about what has happened. This is key to our economy,” Prof Yunus said during a meeting with Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) Brendan Lynch at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. He was referring to the USTR’s recent decision—announced on July 31—to lower the reciprocal tariff rate on Bangladeshi exports to the US from 35 percent to 20 percent, a move he described as a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. During the meeting, both sides discussed strategies to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries, as well as Bangladesh’s intention to expand imports of US agricultural products such as cotton and soybeans. US firm to launch game-changing AI ultrasound device in Bangladesh healthcare Discussions also covered enhanced energy cooperation, including LPG imports from the US, civil aircraft purchases, drug control measures and the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis. Emphasising continued progress in bilateral engagement, he voiced optimism regarding the early signing of the draft bilateral trade agreement currently under negotiation. “Our interests are closer to those of the United States. That makes this process easier and more promising,” he said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted Bangladesh’s actions in regard to the 11-point Labour Action Plan proposed by the US, underscoring the government’s dedication to upholding international labour standards and fair practices.

A discussion on the voting rights of Bangladeshi expatriates and a National Identity (Smart) Card distribution programme was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday. The event took place at G Tower where Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar attended as the chief guest. He also handed over NID smart cards to expatriates on the occasion. The meeting was chaired by Acting High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monika. In his speech, Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam paid deep homage to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 Mass Uprising at the beginning of his address. He said the current Election Commission is highly sincere about ensuring voting rights for expatriates. “For the first time, non-resident Bangladeshis will be able to cast their votes in the national election, and the Election Commission has been working relentlessly to make this a reality,” he said. Explaining the procedure, he mentioned that the EC has planned to introduce ICT-assisted postal voting for expatriates. They will be able to apply and register online as voters through a mobile application. Ballot papers and return envelopes will then be sent by post to the addresses of registered expatriates. After casting their votes, expatriates will return the ballots through the designated envelopes, which will reach the respective returning officers. Voters will also be able to track their ballots online, he added. Seeking cooperation from expatriates in this process, the election commissioner said the initiative aims to uphold their democratic rights and broaden electoral participation. Acting High Commissioner Shahanara Monica thanked the Election Commissioner for creating the opportunity for expatriates to exercise their voting rights and for holding the discussion on the voting process. She assured that the High Commission would carry out awareness campaigns in line with the EC’s directives to facilitate expatriates’ participation in the voting process. Later, the Election Commissioner distributed smart NID cards and responded to questions from expatriates and journalists. Expatriate community representatives, professionals, members of socio-cultural organisations, students, journalists, and officials of the High Commission were present at the programme.  

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday attended the Foreign Ministers' preparatory meeting for the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, convened to discuss Israel’s recent military attack on the State of Qatar. The meeting was chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar is hosting the two-day summit of Arab and Muslim leaders to formulate a joint response following what it called Israel’s “cowardly” aggression against Doha. Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit also addressed the meeting, according to a statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Adviser Hossain, who arrived in Doha on Sunday morning, is leading the Bangladesh delegation. The delegation includes Additional Foreign Secretary M Forhadul Islam, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed, and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan. The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday unequivocally condemned the recent Israeli military aggression against Qatar. Such actions constitute a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, as well as of international law and the principles of the UN Charter, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Bangladesh called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures to ensure accountability and to uphold respect for international law and the UN Charter. Bangladesh said it stands in steadfast solidarity with the government and people of the brotherly State of Qatar in the face of this unlawful and unprovoked attack. This incident is yet another indication of Israel’s continued disregard for regional stability, international peace, and established international norms, Bangladesh said in its statement. "Such actions undermine global efforts towards peace and security," the statement read.

Condemning the attempted attack on Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam in London, the interim government on Saturday night called on the Metropolitan Police in London to complete a full investigation, using available footage to identify individuals who committed offences and bring them to justice.  The government also urged political leaders and community organisers to publicly and unequivocally repudiate violence and intimidation in the diaspora, whatever their factional loyalties. In a statement, the government affirms the right to peaceful protest - and the equal right of officials, students and citizens to speak and assemble without fear. "Democracy demands passion; it also demands self‑control," said the government, noting the cause of Bangladesh’s evolution as a democracy that protects all citizens’ security and dignity requires both. On Friday, as Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam left a SOAS-University of London programme marking the first anniversary of Bangladesh’s July Uprising, a group of demonstrators threw eggs at Bangladesh High Commission vehicles and briefly tried to block their path. London’s Metropolitan Police intervened effectively; reports indicate Mahfuj was not in the cars struck.  The Bangladesh High Commission said police were in constant contact and assured “full security” for the Adviser during his engagements.  The incident in London follows an attack on Mahfuj a couple of weeks ago while he was on government business in New York. During an event at Bangladesh’s Consulate General, protesters threw eggs (and, per multiple accounts, bottles) and smashed glass doors; the mission subsequently wrote to local authorities, including the State Department’s local office, seeking action.  Press Secretary of the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam publicly condemned the attempted harassment. The government condemns this latest attack with the same conviction that our government, the people of Bangladesh and the authorities of both host countries stand on the side of civilised values while the thugs inhabit the world of barbarism and bullying, reads the statement. This pattern of conduct has no place in any democracy that values argument over aggression and debate over thuggery. "As we said after the attack in New York, violence is not protest; intimidation is not free speech. Those words apply with full force in London as they did in New York," said the government.  The government said they reaffirm the principle asserted after the New York incident: fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly and peaceful protest are cornerstones of democracy - but they must be exercised with responsibility and respect. Targeting consular vehicles and attempting to obstruct them is not only reckless, it offends the norms that safeguard dialogue between nations. "We acknowledge the Metropolitan Police response and urge continued coordination to identify offenders and pursue appropriate charges," said the interim government.  "To those who organised or abetted this behaviour: grow up. If you believe in your cause, make your case - peacefully, lawfully, and with dignity. Eggs, fists and mob theatrics persuade no one; they merely prove to the world that you have no argument left," the statement reads. To universities, venues and the diaspora: stand firm for civil discourse. "Host the difficult conversations, but insist on conduct that protects speakers, audiences and lawful protesters alike," the government said. "The measure of a movement is not how loudly it shouts or how violently it acts, but the discipline, dignity and responsibility it upholds."

A friendly meeting was held on Saturday between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF) at the Benipur border of Maheshpur upazila, Jhenaidah. The meeting took place from 5 pm to 6 pm at the zero line of the Benipur border. Officials from both sides attended the meeting, including 10 members from Bangladesh’s 58 BGB and 10 members from India’s 194 BSF battalion. They talked about keeping the border peaceful, preventing killings, stopping human trafficking, avoiding push-ins by the BSF and controlling drug smuggling. Lt. Colonel Md Rafiqul Alam, commander of 58 BGB, said, “The discussion was held in a friendly atmosphere”. During the meeting, both battalion commanders, including others, walked about 2 km along the zero line. At the end, both sides promised to maintain good relations and cooperation in the coming days.