United News of Bangladesh

A labour recruiter reportedly persuaded Maksudur Rahman to leave the tropical warmth of his hometown in Bangladesh and travel thousands of miles to frigid Russia for a job as a janitor. Within weeks, he found himself on the front lines of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Rahman and two other Bangladeshi men who escaped told AP that after arriving in Moscow, they were made to sign documents in Russian that turned out to be military contracts. They were sent to army camps for training in drone warfare, medical evacuation, and combat with heavy weapons. Rahman protested. Through a translation app, a Russian commander told him, “Your agent sent you here. We bought you." The men described being forced to advance ahead of Russian troops, transport supplies, evacuate the wounded, and recover dead soldiers. Families of other missing Bangladeshis reported similar experiences. Neither the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian Foreign Ministry, nor the Bangladeshi government responded to AP’s questions. Rahman said he and his group were threatened with 10-year jail terms and beaten. “They’d say, ‘Why don’t you work? Why are you crying?’ and kick us,” he said. He escaped and returned home after seven months. Documents reviewed by AP, including visas, contracts, medical and police reports, and photos, confirm the workers’ accounts. Officials and activists said Russia also targeted men from India, Nepal, and African countries. In Bangladesh’s Lakshmipur district, many families rely on migrant work. In 2024, Rahman sought new work after a contract in Malaysia. A recruiter offered a job as a cleaner in a Russian military camp with a salary of $1,000 to $1,500 and possible permanent residency. Rahman paid 1.2 million taka ($9,800) to the recruiter and arrived in Moscow in December 2024. Upon arrival, Rahman and three other men were handed Russian documents, believed to be cleaning contracts, and sent to a military facility for training. They were later deployed near the Russia-Ukraine border, digging pits in bunkers while bombs and missiles struck nearby. Some workers, like Mohan Miajee, were promised positions far from combat. But after arriving at a camp in Avdiivka, he was told, “You have been made to sign a contract to join the battalion. You cannot do any other work here. You have been deceived,” he said. Miajee was beaten and tortured whenever he refused orders or made mistakes.   Rahman’s unit was later sent to evacuate a wounded Russian soldier, only to be attacked by drones. He suffered a leg injury and escaped via a hospital with help from the Bangladeshi embassy. He later helped his brother-in-law escape in the same way. Families of missing men cling to visas, contracts, and army documents, hoping they will help bring their loved ones home. Salma Akdar said her husband, Ajgar Hussein, was taken in December 2024 for what he believed was a laundry job. “Seeing all this, he cried a lot and told them, ‘We cannot do these things. We have never done this before,’” she said. Mohammed Siraj’s 20-year-old son, Sajjad, expected to work as a chef. Instead, he was forced into combat. “That is the last message from my son,” Siraj said. Sajjad later died in a drone attack, news that deeply affected the family. An investigation by BRAC and Bangladesh police uncovered at least 10 missing men and a trafficking network involving Bangladeshi intermediaries connected to Russia. About 40 Bangladeshis may have died in the war. Families reported receiving no earnings from their relatives’ work. “I don’t want money or anything else,” Akdar said. “I just want my children’s father back.”  

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen visited Chattogram Port to reinforce commercial cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties, according to the embassy's spokesperson Poornima Rai. Rai said Ambassador Christensen joined Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman and Secretary of Food Md. Firoz Sarker to mark the arrival of nearly 60,000 metric tons of high-quality US wheat. This is part of a larger shipment exceeding 173,000 metric tons —nearly 115,000 metric tons of soft white from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho and nearly 60,000 metric tons of hard red winter wheat from Montana and Nebraska. Taken together, these three shipments represent a critical supply of high protein nutritious grain as Bangladesh grows only 13% of its wheat consumption annually. US, Bangladesh explore expanding collaboration in energy sector These historic deliveries reflect Bangladesh’s growing role as a key market for American agricultural exports, said the Spokesperson. In July 2025, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Food (MOF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Department of Agriculture-nominated trade association for wheat farmers, U.S. Wheat Association (USWA), to purchase up to 700,000 MT U.S. wheat annually until 2030. Under this MOU, Bangladesh has purchased approximately 660,000 MT of US wheat from a major international commodity trader AgroCorp in three sales, with over 350,000 metric tons already delivered.  EU envoy calls for policy stability to strengthen Bangladesh-EU ties This agreement supports American prosperity by creating new opportunities for U.S. farmers and businesses while ensuring a supply of nutritious wheat for the people of Bangladesh.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain expressed his deep condolences at the demise of the veteran British journalist Sir William Mark Tully, who passed away on Sunday. Honouring him, the Adviser said Tully will always be remembered by all Bangladeshis for his wide coverage of the 1971 Liberation War, which garnered global support and sympathy for Bangladesh’s independence. Chinese language course for BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA officials launched He recalled how Tully’s coverage on BBC radio was a major source of information and inspiration for Bangladeshis during 1971. On behalf of Bangladesh, the Adviser extended his sympathies and condolences to the friends and family of Tully.

A 15-week Chinese Language Training Course for the officials of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) was inaugurated on Monday. The course was launched under a joint initiative of BIDA and the Confucius Institute of North South University. The inauguration ceremony was held at the BIDA Conference Room in the afternoon, with BIDA Executive Member Mohammad Humayun Kabir presiding over the event. A documentary highlighting the progress of Bangladesh-China cooperation was also screened. Speaking at the event, Prof Bulbul Ashraf Siddiqi, Local Director of the Confucius Institute at North South University, said institutional knowledge of the Chinese language and culture would enhance communication with Chinese investors and strengthen bilateral investment cooperation. Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, described Bangladesh-China relations as long-standing and multi-dimensional, adding that language education would further deepen ties and open new avenues of cooperation. Prof Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of North South University, said the Confucius Institute has long been promoting Chinese language and culture in Bangladesh, and noted that the course would contribute significantly to the practical skill development of government officials. Mohammad Humayun Kabir said trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and China are expanding steadily, and basic proficiency in the Chinese language would add value to investment facilitation and investor communication. Among others, Third Secretary of the Chinese Embassy Xia Daojing, Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute Ma Xiaoyan, and Chinese language teachers Huang Xinran and Li Yuanxi were present. Following the inauguration, the maiden class of the course began at 4:00 pm at BIDA’s training room. A total of 38 officials—30 from BIDA, four from BEZA and four from BEPZA—are enrolled in the programme, which will be held every Sunday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 5:40 pm.  

France and Bangladesh share a common commitment to peace, multilateralism and the rules-based international order, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said on Monday, stressing the need for closer cooperation amid growing global instability and unilateralism. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Highlighting the long-standing historical ties between the two countries, the Ambassador said France has consistently supported Bangladesh on global platforms and considers the country a key partner in advancing peace and international cooperation. “The world is changing very fast and not necessarily for the better. What was true a year ago may not be true today,” he said, describing what he termed the ‘brutalisation’ of the global order marked by unilateralism, disregard for international law and growing conflict. The Ambassador praised Bangladesh’s significant contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, calling the country a vital actor in global peace and security. He said both nations remain firm supporters of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law, which he described as ‘the only viable framework for global stability.’ Referring to France’s foreign policy priorities, Séré-Charlet said Paris declared a feminist diplomacy a decade ago and places strong emphasis on gender equality. He commended the host university for maintaining near gender parity, calling it reflective of shared values. The Ambassador also expressed concern over violations of international law, citing Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a serious challenge to the rules-based order. He also warned about the growing use of hybrid warfare including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. “Disinformation has become a weapon. Democracies must work together to counter fake news and manipulation especially during elections,” he said. He said France is keen to deepen collaboration with Bangladesh in climate action, biodiversity conservation, maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation. He also reaffirmed France’s support for the rights of Palestinians and a peaceful solution in the Middle East based on international law.

President and Executive Chair of the Marana Foundation Nahar Khan on Sunday said Bangladesh–France relations are evolving beyond traditional development cooperation, increasingly shaped by economic complementarities, shared innovation agendas and long-term strategic alignment. She said while delivering the concluding remarks at a lectures series titled “France and the World: Bangladesh in it” jointly organised by the Center for the Bay of Bengal Studies and Marana Foundation in partnership with the Department of Global Studies and Governance of Independent University, Bangladesh. Khan said the day-long discussion examined bilateral ties from diplomatic, strategic, environmental, economic and regional perspectives, reflecting the growing depth and maturity of the partnership. “What emerges clearly is that this partnership is no longer defined solely by traditional development cooperation,” she said. “It is increasingly shaped by economic complementarities, shared innovation agendas and a long-term strategic alignment.” Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet delivered the keynote speech at the event as the chief guest while chairman of the Marana Foundation Masud Khan delivered the opening speech. Nahar noted that both countries contribute uniquely to shared global goals, citing France’s expertise in technology and sustainable development and Bangladesh’s strong economic growth, creative industries and demographic dynamism. “We are uniquely positioned to complement and learn from one another,” Khan said, adding that sustainable partnerships are also forged through universities, research centres and dialogue platforms, where ideas are tested and future leaders are engaged. Expressing hope for expanded cooperation, she said such exchanges could deepen collaboration in cultural diplomacy through arts and people-to-people connectivity, climate action, digital innovation, security cooperation, and ethical and inclusive frameworks for emerging technologies. “At Marana Foundation, we believe that meaningful dialogue must go beyond statements and symbolism,” she said. “It must create space for honest discussion, mutual learning and long-term collaboration—and today’s seminar was intended to be a space just for that.” Khan expressed gratitude to French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet, saying his engagement reflected the depth and future potential of Bangladesh–France relations. She also thanked the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies and the Department of Global Studies and Governance at the International University of Bangladesh (IUB) for co-organising the seminar. Acknowledging institutional leadership, Khan expressed appreciation to IUB Vice-Chancellor Professor M Tamim, Board of Trustees Chairman Didar A. Hossain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Daniel W. Lund, Rear Admiral Khurshid Ullam, Director of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies, and Ambassador Tariq Kareem, Advisor to the Centre, for advancing dialogue and research on regional, maritime and governance issues. She also thanked all participants, noting that their contributions enriched the discussion and reinforced the importance of sustained Bangladesh–France engagement.  

The US Embassy in Bangladesh on Monday shared details on how its ‘Visa Bond Pilot Programme’operates. According to the embassy, after a visa interview, eligible applicants will receive instructions from the consular officer on how to make the payment including a direct link to pay.gov. The bond must be paid within 30 days. The programme offers a single-entry visa valid for a maximum of three months and the travelers must enter the United States through designated ports of entry. Upon returning home and meeting all visa conditions — including not working in the US and returning within the authorised period — the bond will be automatically canceled and the payment refunded. Starting January 21, 2026, all Bangladeshi nationals approved for a B1/B2 (business and tourist) United States visa will be required to post a bond of up to $15,000. On January 19, the US Embassy in Dhaka said this requirement does not apply to people holding a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026.  

American energy solutions in onshore exploration, the electrical grid, and supplies of LNG, LPG help deliver abundant, reliable energy to homes and businesses nationwide, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday.  US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen met with Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and discussed ways to expand the U.S. companies’ collaboration in growing Bangladesh’s energy sector.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has emphasised the need for a level playing field for EU operators and consistent policy stability in the coming period to enhance bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the European Union. He also called for the completion of reforms launched by the interim government. In a recent keynote address titled ‘The EU Means Business in Bangladesh’, Ambassador Miller highlighted the EU's role as Bangladesh’s steadfast and reliable partner.  He underscored the strength of the EU's commercial relationship with the country and recalled its support for democratic renewal. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh), the official Chamber of the European Union in Bangladesh and part of the European Business Organisation (EBO) Worldwide Network, hosted the EuroCham Business Evening 2026 at the United Convention Centre, Dhaka. India seeks forward-looking cooperation with Bangladesh The event brought together EuroCham members, the EU Delegation, Member State ambassadors and trade representatives, businesses, partners, and Government of Bangladesh officials to advance dialogue and cooperation for European businesses.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday hosted a modest gathering of medical professionals titled “Meet and Greet with the Ambassador”, bringing together Nepali doctors who completed their medical education in Bangladesh. The event aimed to facilitate the formation of a broader alumni platform for doctors and professionals to promote mutual collaboration, with coordination and support from the Bangladesh Embassy. The Bangladesh Ambassador attended the programme and interacted with the distinguished doctors. In his welcome remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, rooted in shared history, culture, education and strong people-to-people ties. Recalling the significant contribution of medical professionals to Nepali society and the economy, he underscored the importance of building an organised alumni community to serve as a bridge between the two countries. He noted that the full potential of such a network remains largely untapped.