United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday discussed ways to accelerate negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects. The issues were discussed when UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and ‘growing strategic partnership’ between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates. UAE-Bangladesh joint venture to invest $10m at BEPZA Economic Zone The Foreign Minister conveyed appreciation for the greetings from the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. He emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment, under the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy, to elevating bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic and economic partnership. The Foreign Minister appreciated the UAE for hosting around 1.2 million Bangladeshi expatriates and requested reopening of labour visas and facilitating greater mobility, including business and transit visas. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across sectors and enhancing people-to-people ties for mutual benefit. UAE rulers grant royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners Earlier, the UAE Ambassador met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. The State Minister stressed exchange of high-level visits and on holding regular meetings of existing bilateral platforms to identify opportunities and advance cooperation for mutual benefit.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support and commitment to revitalise SAARC process. The Minister expressed Bangladesh's readiness to take proactive initiatives to strengthen and revitalise SAARC. He made the remarks when Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar met him on Tuesday. Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh's conviction in abiding commitment to the principles enshrined in the SAARC Charter including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit of the peoples of member states. The Foreign Minister recalled that the idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first proposed by Bangladesh in the early 1980s by late President Ziaur Rahman to promote people's welfare, improve quality of life, and strengthen collective self- reliance in the region. Being one of the founder members and the host of the very first Summit of SAARC in December 1985 and twice in 1993 and 2005, Bangladesh acknowledges the valuable role of SAARC to foster common regional values and promote cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, climate change, food security, culture, people-to-people contacts and so forth, he said.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia early Wednesday, the first foreign trip since his appointment as the Foreign Minister. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will also be part of the visit. The Foreign Minister will attend a Foreign Ministers-level meeting in Jeddah to discuss the illegal Israeli occupation decisions aimed at promoting settlement, annexation and attempting to impose alleged Israeli sovereignty on the occupied West Bank. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold the emergency meeting of the Open-ended Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers on Thursday at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, a senior official told UNB. The Foreign Minister and Adviser to the PM are likely to have bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the OIC meeting with their counterparts. The OIC meeting aims to coordinate positions and discuss ways of action to confront these invalid decisions and measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities, the latest of which was the decision to start procedures to settle lands in the occupied West Bank under the name of ‘state property’, as part of its illegal schemes aimed at changing the legal, political and demographic status of the occupied Palestinian territory and undermining the two-state solution. Bangladesh described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh and recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began during the presidency of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with the establishment of Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1976. President Zia also paid a historic visit to the Kingdom in 1977. Both sides acknowledged his historic contribution to promoting Muslim unity. Commonwealth Meeting The Foreign Minister will visit the United Kingdom to attend the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) which will take place at Lancaster House in London on March 8, a senior official told UNB. 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. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey will also speak at the event. 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. 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.

A fire gutted valuables of five shops at Baitun  Nur Shopping Complex near New Market in Khulna city early Tuesday. Witnesses said the fire started around 11:30 pm and locals informed Khulna Fire Service immediately. Six fire units of Khulna Fire Service brought the blaze under control by 1:15 am. Police, army, navy, and local residents helped fire fighters contain the blaze. Khulna Fire Service Deputy Director Md Abdul Malek said units from Boyra and Tutpara worked together to control the fire. Transport contractors go on strike in Khulna, food supply disrupted Five shops in the mall were damaged, with goods in two shops completely burned. “Electrical short circuit is believed to be the cause. Electrical and internet cables in front of the mall were also damaged. The total loss is still being assessed,” he added.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Monday underlined that French companies want to develop their presence in Bangladesh and need a business-friendly environment in this context. He, together with the Heads of EU diplomatic missions, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador felicitated the Minister for his new assignment and expressed the commitment of France to deepening the long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and developing new common initiatives. France, Bangladesh share common vision for peace, multilateralism: French Ambassador The Minister thanked the EU for the concrete support it extended to Bangladesh through the electoral observation mission, which played an important role in the general elections. He emphasised the importance of EU-Bangladesh relations and the new government's desire to facilitate exchanges in all fields.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for Saarc process and its commitment to working with member states to achieve the shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia. Saarc issues were discussed when its Secretary General Md Golam Sarwar called on the State Minister on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister recalled that the idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first proposed by Bangladesh in the early 1980s by late President Ziaur Rahman to promote people's welfare, improve quality of life, and strengthen collective self- reliance. Time to view Bangladesh differently: Shama Obaed Being one of the founder members and the host of the very first Summit of Saarc in December 1985, Bangladesh acknowledges the valuable contributions of member states in sustaining the relevance of Saarc amid evolving regional and global dynamics.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday said they see huge confidence in the new government from countries which are willing to engage deeply and work with Bangladesh very closely. “We want to establish mutually beneficial relations with every country as coequals…we will resolve all our issues respectfully and on the basis of mutual respect,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a series of courtesy meetings held on Sunday and Monday with diplomats stationed in Dhaka. The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of protecting independence and sovereignty, not interfering in each other's internal affairs. “Our policies will be based on mutual interests and national dignity.” “I am pretty confident that we will be able to conduct a very dynamic foreign policy in the coming days,” he said, mentioning that so far they have had courtesy and friendly meetings with envoys. Asked about safety along the Bangladesh-India border and measures to stop border killings, the Foreign Minister said he is not taking any specific question and they will discuss specific issues later, which will require some time. Dr Rahman said the Envoys of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, China, Pakistan, the United States and European countries led by the EU Ambassador met him on Sunday and Monday where he outlined the new government's foreign policy. "We have started meetings with envoys since Sunday. We have presented the outline of our government's foreign policy to them. Our motto is Bangladesh First. Bangladesh will be above all,” he said. Next Bangladesh govt will need to navigate tricky foreign policy issues: Crisis Group The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that they will be able to establish deep relations with other friendly countries in the region and the world. The Foreign Minister on Wednesday said they want to get back to the foreign policy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman which was very positive and expansive, stressing that the government wants to maintain a good relationship with each country while at the same time protecting the country’s interests. “Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma in the evening, seeking objectivity from the media while reporting on foreign affairs. The Foreign Minister said an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations and urged journalists to maintain objectivity and avoid rumors.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Monday said the EU is the country’s most reliable and largest commercial partner, as well as a highly significant political ally for the new government. "We look forward to launching a new chapter and intensification in the EU-Bangladesh relations," he told reporters after their meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Miller said the EU is Bangladesh’s most reliable partner, largest commercial partner, biggest investor, a very significant provider of assistance, and a very significant political partner of the newly elected government. Responding to a question, Ambassador Miller said they are very near to finalising the Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PCA). "We do hope we will be in a position to sign it with Bangladesh in the nearest possible future." The Ambassador said they came to the MoFA collectively with the Ambassadors of the European countries as Bangladesh's most reliable partner. He said they discussed the very broad nature of Bangladesh -EU relations – trade, development, humanitarian issues and migration. Ambassador Miller said they look forward to exploring the full potential of the EU-Bangladesh relations. He said the European Union looks forward to the new government of Bangladesh continuing with a series of reforms that were launched under the previous interim government. “We look forward to the putting in place of judicial reforms, of the commercial courts, of work to introduce regularity into migration management,” said the EU envoy. “And of course, in our relationship with Bangladesh, the respect for fundamental freedoms is very prominent,” Miller said while responding to a question. The EU Ambassador was accompanied by a delegation of Ambassadors of EU Member States resident in Dhaka - Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. During the meeting, the ambassadors congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in the parliamentary election. They also felicitated the Foreign Minister for his new assignment. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the advancement of Bangladesh-EU relations and underscored that the partnership has evolved into a multifaceted relationship. The ambassadors reaffirmed their intention to work closely with the present government to further maximise the longstanding, predictable and mutually beneficial Bangladesh-EU partnership. The ambassadors lauded Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reaffirmed their continued engagement in support of constitutional, judicial, labour and other important reforms. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur appreciated the European Union’s deployment of a large Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the February 12, 2026 national election and reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic consolidation, the rule of law and good governance. The two sides exchanged views on the possibility of commencement of negotiations toward a comprehensive Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also addressed topics of mutual interest including regional and global developments, humanitarian issues, water resource management, climate change, maritime economy, migration management, skill development and employment generation. Earlier in the day, the Ambassadors greeted State Minister Shama Obaed on her recent appointment. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing this win-win relation and welcomed enhanced engagement with the European Union and its Member States in areas of shared priority.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur will be visiting Bangladesh in early March as the United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region. The upcoming visit of Paul Kapur, among other issues, was featured in the discussion when US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the latter’s office on Monday. Paul Kapur was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on October 22, 2025. Both sides expressed optimism that Bangladesh-United States relations will reach a new height in the coming years through enhanced collaboration across all sectors. "So pleased to continue working together to make both of our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous," said Ambassador Christensen after the meeting.  The Ambassador congratulated Dr Rahman on his new role as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prior to the call on the Foreign Minister, the US Ambassador also paid a maiden courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at her office and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests. During the meeting, both the Foreign Minister and US Ambassador underscored the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the United States, built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a commitment to peace and development. During the discussion, both sides reviewed key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, defense and security, development partnership, immigration and people-to-people exchanges, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Rohingya issue was also discussed during the meeting. The Foreign Minister conveyed appreciation for continued US humanitarian assistance and sought sustained political support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population to Myanmar. Earlier, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a message said the United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region.

Dhaka, Feb 23 (UNB) - China has expressed support for Bangladesh’s new government and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties, the Chinese embassy said on Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat around 11:00 am. The envoy congratulated the prime minister on assuming office and presented him with a bouquet. Ready to work with PM Tarique to enhance Dhaka-Beijing cooperation: Chinese PM Ambassador Yao conveyed the ‘heartfelt congratulations and best wishes’ of Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, and said Beijing is ready to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust and deepen comprehensive, pragmatic cooperation with Bangladesh. The embassy said China supports the new government in ensuring smooth governance, safeguarding national unity, stability, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and encouraged Bangladesh to play a greater role in regional and international affairs. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked the envoy and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the one-China principle and to deepening cooperation with China. BNP Joint Secretary General and PM’s Adviser Humayun Kabir was also present.