United News of Bangladesh

Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary on Thursday said all Bangladesh nationals who were ‘found illegally entering India without any criminal intent’ are handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) ‘respectfully’. Responding to a question at a joint media briefing after the four-day BGB-BSF DG level talks, he said they have handed over around 550 Bangladeshi nationals to the BGB. “In cases, when BGB could not verify the credentials, they were handed over to Indian agencies for deportation through established mechanisms,” said the BSF DG. More than 2,400 cases of verification of Bangladeshi nationals’ identities are pending with the High Commission of Bangladesh in New Delhi, Daljit Singh said. “Some of them are pending for more than 5 years. We have also requested the BGB to take up the case with the concerned authorities to expedite the confirmation so that they are united with their families,” he said. If there are any instances of border violation by Indian nationals or Bangladeshi nationals, a well-established mechanism exists between both the countries for deporting or handing over the nationals to each other, Daljit Singh said, adding that both the forces also follow this mechanism to resolve the issues. DG BGB Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, who led the Bangladesh delegation, said they have limited themselves to the agenda points - mostly related to the bordering areas and the agenda points received from different ministries. “However, whether agenda points are related to the border or not, or to the river sharing, water sharing, or no border killing or whether the fencing should be there or not at the border, all these eventually, if resolved on the ground, they will immensely contribute in improving the relationship with the two countries,” said the BGB DG while responding to a question. He said they are trying to work things out and have a better and secure border for both sides so that eventually no tension arises at the border. “We expect if we can do that on the ground.”

Amid a global funding crisis, Rohingyas in both Bangladesh and Myanmar are enduring dire conditions compounded by drastic cut to food assistance, said UN Human Rights Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence. “We implore the international community to step up support for the Rohingya by increasing humanitarian funding to secure access to basic needs and essential services, and to resolutely support international accountability processes,” the spokesperson said, marking the eighth anniversary of military assaults on the Rohingya in Myanmar. The UN Human Rights Office called for ending impunity in the violence against Rohingya people in Myanmar, and ensuring their rights to security, citizenship and equality. “Ending impunity and ensuring the Rohingya’s rights to security, citizenship and equality are essential for breaking the cycle of violence,” said Laurence at the UN bi-weekly press briefing held in Geneva recently. Since November 2023, the human rights and humanitarian situation in Rakhine have sharply deteriorated, further deepening the already life-threatening conditions faced by the Rohingya. UN member states urged to pursue accountability for Rohingya genocide “Both the military and the Arakan Army have committed and continue to commit serious atrocity crimes against the Rohingya with impunity in flagrant violation of international law, including the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice,” Laurence said.  

Fortify Rights has said the Bangladesh government must ensure accountability for cases of enforced disappearances during the brutal rule of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and provide reparations for victims’ families and survivors. Today marks one year since the Bangladesh interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, established the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. “Enforced disappearances were a hallmark of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s despotic rule, and should never be allowed to happen again in Bangladesh,” said John Quinley, Director at Fortify Rights. “Despite making progress on ensuring accountability during the first year of work of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, the interim government must do more to address past crimes, including through fair and impartial criminal prosecution of all those involved and reparations for victims and their relatives.” On August 27, 2024, Bangladesh formed an independent commission to investigate the thousands of disappearances, and in the same month, the government acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The domestic commission has so far received more than 1,800 cases of enforced disappearance, and has reported that hundreds of forcibly disappeared individuals remain missing. In December 2024, the commission published sections of its final report, acknowledging the systematic nature of enforced disappearance, which was "orchestrated by a central command structure” during the rule of the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In June 2025, Bangladesh’s interim government extended the Commission’s mandate until December 2025. On May 15, 2025, 11 international human rights groups, including Fortify Rights, said in a joint statement that “the ordinance should exclude the death penalty as a sentencing option.” In June 2025, the U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances published a report on Bangladesh in which it recommended implementing “specific measures for the survivors of enforced disappearances,” including access to justice and reparations, including legal and financial support. “True accountability requires a victim-centered reparations program, fair justice procedures, and unwavering transparency for victims and survivors,” said John Quinley. “Survivors and the relatives of the disappeared cannot wait. Their healing depends not only on prosecutions but on recognition, redress, and the dismantling of abusive security structures that allowed the enforced disappearances to occur on such a widespread and systematic scale."

Fortify Rights and 57 other groups in a joint statement on Wednesday said United Nations member states must pursue accountability for genocide and other atrocities committed against ethnic Rohingya civilians in Rakhine State, Myanmar. “Eight years on from the start of the Myanmar military’s genocidal attacks against Rohingya, not a single person has been held criminally responsible. This is a deep stain on the world’s conscience,” said Senior Advocate at Fortify Rights Patrick Phongsathorn. “It’s not too late to address this injustice. The UN Security Council (UNSC) should immediately refer the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court, and all UN Member States should explore every possible avenue to pursue justice for the Rohingya,” Phongsathorn said. August 25 is Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day and marks the Myanmar military’s initiation of a series of massacres, killings, rapes and other genocidal attacks, which led to the forced deportation of at least 700,000 Rohingya people from northern Rakhine State to neighboring Bangladesh in 2017. The joint statement noted that a UN Security Council referral of the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC) would “ensure comprehensive accountability for crimes committed against all communities” in Myanmar. Apart from a Security Council referral, the statement called on all UN Member States to “exercise universal jurisdiction to initiate or support criminal prosecutions of those responsible for crimes.” Universal jurisdiction is a legal principle that enables domestic courts in many different countries to pursue justice for international atrocity crimes such as genocide and crimes against humanity. On September 30, the UN General Assembly will convene a high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, where participants are expected to discuss responses to the ongoing abuses suffered by the Rohingya. Diplomatic Missions seek inclusive engagement for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The joint statement expressed concern “about the lack of Rohingya representation at the conference and the need for a wider spectrum of voices, including Rohingya women, youth, and diverse Rohingya-led civil society from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the global diaspora.” “Violence, abuse, and persecution of the Rohingya by multiple actors have been tolerated by the international community for too long,” said Patrick. “As governments again gather to discuss the Rohingya crisis and the junta’s widespread atrocities throughout Myanmar, concrete steps toward justice and accountability must be devised alongside and in close consultation with Rohingya survivors.” On August 25, 2017, following coordinated attacks by Rohingya militants on several Myanmar security posts, Myanmar armed forces and groups of local non-Rohingya citizens raped and murdered Rohingya men, women, and children, and burned and looted Rohingya property. Publicly referred to by the Myanmar authorities as “clearance operations,” the attacks on August 25, 2017, and subsequent atrocities led to the fastest exodus of refugees since the Rwanda genocide. A Fortify Rights report, released in 2018, found that Myanmar authorities made “extensive and systematic preparations” for attacks against Rohingya civilians in the weeks and months prior to the militant attacks on August 25, 2017, indicating premeditated genocidal intent on the part of the Myanmar authorities. Similarly, a 2019 report from the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission, established by the UN Human Rights Council, found evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity. On March 21, 2022, the US government issued a determination that Myanmar’s military committed genocide against the Rohingya. Since the Myanmar military’s attempted coup on February 1, 2021, the Rohingya continue to suffer grave risks and ongoing persecution. The junta’s movement restrictions and aid blockages have caused widespread hunger and avoidable civilian deaths. Prof Yunus places 7-point roadmap for Rohingya repatriation The Myanmar junta and Rohingya armed groups have unlawfully conscripted Rohingya in Bangladesh and Myanmar to fight in the ongoing conflict against the ethnic Rakhine armed group, the Arakan Army (AA). Many other ethnic minority communities throughout Myanmar have also faced relentless airstrikes, civilian massacres, and other abuses at the hands of the illicit military junta’s forces. The AA, which currently controls much of Rakhine State, has committed serious violations of the laws of war against Rohingya civilians, including murder, mutilation, and torture. In May 2024, following fighting between the AA and the Myanmar junta and its allied Rohingya militias, AA fighters committed widespread arson and destruction of civilian property in downtown Buthidaung – a predominantly Rohingya town in northern Rakhine State. On August 5 and 6, 2024, AA forces attacked fleeing Rohingya civilians as they attempted to seek safety in neighboring Bangladesh, killing more than one hundred men, women, and children. More recently, Fortify Rights has documented how the AA have systematically abducted, tortured, killed, and beheaded Rohingya civilians. All parties to the armed conflict in Myanmar must comply with international humanitarian law and engage with international justice mechanisms, Fortify Rights and 57 other groups said.

The European Union (EU) has said it believes in empowered and representative Rohingya voices and supports efforts that drive sustainable solutions. "Politically, with funding for humanitarians, development and accountability for human rights abuses, and with sanctions in force. But this crisis is one that cries out for concerted action," said the EU Embassy in Dhaka. EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller attended the 'Stakeholders' Dialogue' on the Rohingya situation in Cox’s Bazar recently, expressing solidarity with the Rohingya and the people of Bangladesh. Take solid steps for sustainable Rohingya repatriation: OIC to Myanmar Eight years on, the EU hosted an instructive briefing by Assistant High Commissioner of UNHCR Raouf Mazou for the international community in Dhaka on the Rohingya crisis. "Sobering yet inspiring," said the EU Embassy in Dhaka in a message through its verified Facebook page on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has emphasised the priority of opening a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka and the promotion of Bangladeshi products in the Mexican market. “Although separated by distance, Bangladesh and Mexico share common values— friendship, solidarity, and cultural richness—that bring our two peoples closer in spirit," he said as the Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico City warmly welcomed a high-level delegation from the National Defence College (NDC), Bangladesh, on Tuesday. The visit underscored the strong ties between Bangladesh and Mexico and reaffirmed the role of strategic and defense education in promoting international cooperation. "I am confident that this visit will deepen our mutual understanding and strengthen our long-standing partnership,” said the Ambassador. Ambassador Mushfiqul likens fallen Hasina with Italian dictator Mussolini

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday called upon the international community to sustain its support for vital humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas. It also urged Myanmar to take concrete steps towards ensuring the safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland. The OIC reiterated its call for reinforced international solidarity and coordinated action to address the root causes of this issue and to work toward a comprehensive, just and durable solution. On the eighth anniversary of the mass atrocities committed against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the OIC reiterated its unwavering support for the Rohingya people and reaffirms its steadfast commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Rohingya Camps: IOM brings first-ever comprehensive emergency obstetric, newborn care services The OIC stands in solidarity with the Rohingya Muslims, who continue to face persecution, statelessness and forced displacement, according to a statement issued by the OIC headquarters. Over 1.3 million Rohingya remain in refugee camps in Bangladesh and other host countries, enduring difficult conditions and facing uncertain futures, while many thousands remain internally displaced within Myanmar, subject to mass killings, systemic discrimination and ongoing gross violations of their rights. The OIC fully supports international efforts, including proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to hold perpetrators of heinous crimes against the Rohingya Muslims accountable. It underscored the responsibility of all parties involved in the conflict, especially the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, to ensure the protection of the Rohingya people inside Myanmar in full compliance with the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ. Switzerland reaffirms support for Bangladesh in resolving Rohingya crisis The OIC also commended Bangladesh and other OIC Member States for their continued generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees and appreciates the support extended by many OIC Member States to this community. It paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Rohingya Muslims, and reaffirmed its pledge to continue advocating for their rights on the international stage.

The US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday congratulated International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumna Shathira Jakir Jessy, who is set to make history as the first Bangladeshi woman umpire to officiate a World Cup cricket tournament at the 2025 ICC Women's ODI Cricket World Cup. American exchange programs create opportunity, build global connections, and foster innovation — including through sports, said the Embassy in a message.

The Bangladesh Consulate General in New York has sent letters to local authorities to take action against the miscreants responsible for the untoward incident on its premises during an event on August 24. According to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Consulate General on Tuesday, letters have already been sent to the local police, the Mayor’s office and the regional office of the US Department of State requesting necessary steps. The statement said the Consulate General on Sunday (August 24) hosted a discussion meeting, marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising Day, with Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam as the chief guest. Around 150 members of the Bangladeshi community, including students, were present at the programme. It said despite prior police deployment for security, leaders and activists of the US wing of Awami League and its affiliated bodies gathered in front of the consulate from 5 pm with an intention to disrupt the event targeting the chief guest. Shafiqul Alam strongly condemns attempted harassment of Mahfuj in NY They chanted anti-government slogans, used abusive language and at one point chased invited guests to prevent them from entering the programme. The statement said the group resorted to destructive acts, including throwing eggs at guests and damaging the glass door of a nearby office in the same building. Police intervened to stop the violence and detained several people, it added. Photographs and video footage of the incident have already been handed over to the police as evidence they assured legal action. The consulate further noted that the miscreants stayed in the area until midnight waving party flags and attempting to harass the chief guest. Due to strict security measures, the adviser safely entered and exited the venue, attended the event, interacted with guests and departed without any untoward incident, it said. No discrimination based on religion in Bangladesh today: Mahfuj tells US delegation It also clarified that there was no encounter or contact of any kind between the adviser and the miscreants at any stage. Despite their failed attempts, the miscreants are now spreading false propaganda on social media and digital platforms, the statement said, urging all concerned not to be misled by such misinformation.

Chargée d’Affaires of the Embassy of Switzerland Corinne Henchoz Pignani has reaffirmed that Switzerland will continue to support Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis, in line with international law and guided by humanitarian principles. Henchoz made the remark while attending the ‘Stakeholders' Dialogue on the Rohingya Situation: Takeaway to the High-Level Conference’ in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. Rohingya problem cannot be solved keeping key actor excluded: Khalilur Rahman Switzerland also called on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, to ensure rapid, full and unimpeded humanitarian access and break the cycle of impunity. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus joined the conference as the chief guest.