United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Sunday (9th November 2025) described the recent comments made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus as ‘incorrect’ and ‘not respectful of propriety and diplomatic nicety’ and stressed that Bangladesh remains committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with India. "We consider that Singh's comments are incorrect and unhelpful and not respectful of propriety and diplomatic nicety," said spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SM Mahbubul Alam as UNB sought Dhaka's reaction to Singh's remarks. In an exclusive conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Indian Minister Singh had urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to ‘watch his words’. "We do not seek tense relations with Bangladesh, but Yunus should be cautious with his statements," Singh told Joshi. Read more: India wants free, fair and inclusive election in Bangladesh: Misri The interview was published on Friday (7th November 2025) in a report by Firstpost, a media outlet of the group. Responding to the issue, Alam said the recent remarks made by the Indian Defence Minister regarding Chief Adviser Prof Yunus have come to their attention. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh remains committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with India based on ‘sovereign equality, non-interference in each other's affairs, and mutual respect.’ "Bangladesh also believes that differences in perspectives are best addressed through constructive and respectful engagement," Alam added. During the interview, the Indian Defence Minister also said India does not want a rift with Bangladesh. Read more: Why India’s passport is slipping in global rankings

Speakers at a seminar on Sunday highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and South Korea in advanced manufacturing and infrastructure projects in a changing global environment. They talked about roads, ports and power sector projects, strengthening collaboration in digital transformation, and increasing opportunities for people-to-people exchange. The Embassy of Korea in Bangladesh hosted the Korea–Bangladesh policy seminar titled, ‘Navigating Geopolitical Dynamics: Toward a Korea–Bangladesh Future Partnership’, in Dhaka. The event brought together policy experts, academics, development partners and private-sector representatives to discuss how the two countries can strengthen cooperation in a changing global environment. Moderated by Ambassador Farooq Sobhan, the seminar examined key geopolitical trends and opportunities to deepen economic ties. Speakers included Ambassador Humayun Kabir, Ambassador Mustafizur Rahman, Prof Dr Parves Karim Abbasi, and Dr Selim Raihan from Bangladesh, as well as Dr Song Kyungjin, Dr Lee Soon-cheul and Dr Song Chi-ung from Korea. Ambassador Park Young-sik emphasized Korea’s long-standing support for Bangladesh’s development and the importance of preparing for the next phase of partnership. “Korea has a unique development experience, having transformed from an aid recipient to a donor country. Just as our cooperation in the RMG sector contributed to Bangladesh’s economic growth, Korea will continue to expand collaboration across trade, investment, and other key areas,” he said. The Ambassador said the ongoing CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations, which will serve as the framework for our future economic partnership, will be an important milestone in advancing Bangladesh-Korea relations. Participants noted that the two sessions—covering both geopolitical and economic perspectives—highlighted the steady growth of Korea–Bangladesh relations over the past 50 years.

Greater Chinese chapter of BNP organised a discussion meeting on the occasion of historic ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ in Guangzhou of China on Friday (local time). Chaired by China BNP leader Mohammad Sakawat Hossain Kanon the event was moderated by Asif Haque Rupur. BNP leaders Sheikh Mahbubur Rashid, Wali Ullah Wali, Hasmat Ali Mridha James, SM Al-Amin, Salauddin Rikta, and SA Shaheen Malik addressed the event. Emphasising the significance of November 7, Kanon said, “Without November 7, we might not have had the chance to honour the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, nor the birth of BNP. The spirit of the day remains crucial and meaningful for BNP.” Over a hundred Bangladeshis residing in China attended the meeting.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday (9th November 2025) said one of the major accomplishments of their foreign policy over the past 15 months has been establishing strong relations with the US agricultural economy and the farm lobby. "The interim government has laid the foundation for this promising new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations," he said. Looking ahead, Alam said, Bangladesh will be able successfully negotiate even greater tariff reductions from the US as the trade gap shrinks. "Our garment exporters already have the capacity to purchase the entirety of US cotton exports. Once we establish ourselves as a key U.S. trading partner, we will have no need to engage costly lobby groups in Washington — we will have the US farm lobby, which has considerable political strength, to advocate for us with US governmental entities," he said. "Japan, China, Southeast Asian nations, and Western European countries have all prospered through robust trade with the United States. Now, we too can follow that path," Alam said in a message shared from his verified Facebook account. Bangladesh eyes Japan’s labour market as demand for 11mn foreign workers looms A few months after Dr Khalilur Rahman was appointed as the High Representative on Rohingya Affairs (and later as National Security Adviser, Chief Adviser) Professor Muhammad Yunus sent him to Washington DC in February to build ties with the new U.S. administration. Dr Khalil, a veteran career diplomat and an eminent economist who spent decades at a senior level at a UN organisation specialising in global trade policy, quickly connected with key figures in the American agricultural sector, he said. Alam said Bangladesh is a major importer of agricultural products, while the US is one of the world’s largest exporters of soybeans, wheat, cotton, and corn. "Access to US agricultural market is potentially a crucial aspect of our food security, which is one of our key national security concerns," he said. It also would allow us to diversify food import sources and thereby to avoid potential situations where certain sourcing countries might weaponise our food dependence on them. Ambassador Mushfiqul promotes Bangladesh-Mexico trade ties at Querétaro Dr Khalil helped strengthen the bridge between Bangladeshi importers and the US farm lobby — a relationship that played a crucial role in our successful recent tariff negotiations with Washington. "Besides, his successful efforts as our lead negotiator contributed to securing competitive tariff rates that have effectively safeguarded Bangladesh’s garment industry," Alam said. Earlier this week, Bangladeshi importers pledged to purchase over one billion dollars’ worth of US farm products — a "win-win outcome" for both countries and a milestone in Bangladesh-US relations, said the Press Secretary. With China sourcing most of its soybeans from Brazil, Bangladesh can, in a meaningful way, help fill the gap left by Chinese importers, he said. This growing agricultural trade partnership, Alam said, is now taking center stage in the two nations’ diplomatic engagement, a vision championed by the interim government. Read more: Bangladesh firms ink $1.25b deal to expand US soy imports

Newly appointed Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi has said they are committed to advancing connectivity, economic integration and sustainable development for the prosperity of the peoples as members of BIMSTEC, especially under Bangladesh's chairmanship from 2025-2027. “As an Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, I am committed to promoting economic cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for both nations,” she said in a recent message addressed to the people of Bangladesh. The envoy laid emphasis on fostering stronger people-to- people exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries. “I look forward to the continued friendship, goodwill, and cooperation with our Bangladeshi partners in these endeavors,” she said. The Ambassador said Bangladesh has long been a ‘strategic country and growing importance’ for Thailand. Geographically, she said, the two countries share an essential connection, linking South and Southeast Asia through the Bay of Bengal and serving as gateways to wider regional connectivity. Economically, the Ambassador said, Bangladesh has become one of Thailand's key partners in South Asia, with bilateral trade expanding steadily in recent years. Culturally, Chirasawadi said, both nations share deep values rooted in community, hospitality and resilience, providing a strong foundation for deepening mutual understanding. “It is my great honour to return to South Asia once again, a region to which I have long felt a profound connection,” said the Ambassador. Chirasawadi said her first diplomatic posting in this region from 2000 to 2001 gave her the appreciation of the richness of South Asian culture, the warmth of its people, and the shared values that bind our societies. The Ambassador said she is privileged to serve in Bangladesh-an emerging economy with a proud history, dynamic growth, and a strong national identity.  

Pakistan Navy ship ‘PNS Saif’ (FFG-253) arrived at Chittagong Port on Saturday (8th November 2025) on a four-day goodwill visit to Bangladesh, as both countries seem to rebuild ties after decades of cold relations. Chief Staff Officer of Commander Chattogram Naval Area received the vessel on behalf of the Commander, Chattogram Naval Area. A well-decorated naval band of the Bangladesh Navy performed ceremonial tunes in keeping with naval tradition. Officials from the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka and senior officers of the Bangladesh Navy were also present to welcome the visiting ship and its team. Dhaka eyes new horizons in partnership with Kathmandu Earlier, upon entering Bangladesh’s maritime boundary, the ship was welcomed at sea by Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Shadhinota. During the visit, the commanding officer of ‘PNS Saif’ and other members of the delegation are scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Commander Chattogram Naval Area, Commander BN Fleet, and Area Superintendent Dockyard. Officers, sailors, and trainees from the visiting ship will also visit various historic and tourist sites, naval ships and establishments in Chattogram. In turn, officers and sailors of the Bangladesh Navy will visit PNS Saif. The ship is scheduled to depart Bangladesh on November 12, 2025. Read more: Pakistan keen to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh: Visiting CJCSC

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan has stressed the need for establishing a network and partnership with different academic and research institutions across the world to upgrade academic and research activities. The issues were discussed when non-resident Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh Kevin Kelly and first Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland Baroness Nuala O’Loan called on the Vice-Chancellor at the latter’s university office on Thursday afternoon. Chairman of the Department of Botany Prof Dr Ashfaque Ahmed, Prof Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin, Prof Dr Mohammad Almujadde Alfasane and Prof Dr Muhammad Mezbah-ul-Islam were, among others, present on this occasion. During the meeting they discussed matters of mutual interests, especially the possibilities of undertaking joint collaborative academic and research programs among Dhaka University and different universities in Ireland. Universities must strengthen evidence-based research: Dr. Sayedur Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan apprised the guests of the brief history of Dhaka University and its academic and research activities. He also thanked the guests for their visit to Dhaka University and keen interest in its academic and research activities. Later, Baroness Nuala O’Loan delivered a public lecture on the Irish experience of justice and reform at the Department of Botany of DU. DU Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury also addressed it. The Embassy of Ireland organised the event.

Baroness Nuala O’Loan, the first Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, has laid emphasis on ‘ethical leadership’ with a clear code of ethics, human rights-based training, and a culture of accountability where neither police nor citizens are above the law. “Ethical leadership has to come from the top down. That needs to be demonstrated. We need a lot more ethical leadership. The other thing that you need is ethical politicians,” said Nuala O'Loan, a renowned speaker on the issues of justice, human rights, reconciliation and peace, during a conversation. During the conversation at Dhaka University’s Botany Department, she explained further, noting that ethical politicians understand the police force is not theirs, not theirs to use against people and not theirs to promote their private entrepreneurial ambitions, or whatever it is, it is a service to protect the people, their lives and their property. “If people are breaking the law, then they are possibly committing a crime. So the police need to deal with that. If the people begin to attack the police, that's a criminal offense. If the police attack the people - that is a criminal offense,” Nuala O'Loan said, adding that both have to be dealt with equally as no one is superior or senior to the other. “I think that's the essence of what one has to say - rule of law has to operate. It's hard, but that's how it has to be done,” she added. Responding to a question, Nuala O'Loan said if police officers have committed crimes, they must be prosecuted. “I suspect this may not have happened as often in the past, but that must happen so the police must be subject to the rule of law, just as the people.” She highlighted the need for strong moral principles within institutions, especially the police. The conversation also explored governance and reform in Bangladesh, emphasising that sustainable progress depends on rule of law, peace, and stability. A fair and independent process for selecting members of the policing board was outlined, ensuring diversity, integrity, and independence from political or police influence. Nuala O'Loan underscored the role of women in national development, arguing that excluding half the population limits a country’s prosperity. Positive measures, such as equal recruitment and pay equity, were encouraged to promote gender inclusion and equality. Honorary consul of Ireland Masud Khan hosts dinner in honour of Irish Ambassador, visiting baroness She urged the students and young citizens to use their voices constructively—through social media, journalism, and community engagement—to inform others about reforms and promote lawful participation in nation-building. Nuala O'Loan highlighted the importance of ethical reform, participatory governance, and communication grounded in human rights and the rule of law, with a belief that such an approach can guide Bangladesh toward stability and prosperity. Earlier, she delivered a public lecture at the Department of Botany, University of Dhaka on “Justice and Reform: Lessons from the Irish Experience” on Thursday where students from various departments joined. Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh Kevin Kelly, Dhaka University Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Chairman of Department of Botany Dr Ashfaque Ahmed, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh Masud Jamil Khan, and Prof Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, among others, were present. The discussion centered on how governments can balance the urgency of public expectations for reform with the reality that meaningful change takes time. The speaker emphasised the importance of transparency, ongoing communication, and public engagement throughout the reform process. Responding to a question, Nuala O'Loan said, “I think that balancing the urgency of the need to get reformed requires a proper process, but there's also a need for communication about what you're doing while you're doing it. And I think if you can manage those two together, you are handling a very, very precious project.” The speaker who is known for her courage and integrity said, “You make sure your training is human rights based so the police officers know that they can only use force if it's lawful, if it's necessary, and they can only use proportionate force, only the force which is necessary to deal with the situation, nothing more.” She said, “If somebody is running away, you have no need to shoot them. They are not a threat to life. Therefore you have no requirement to shoot them. That's the simplest example of proportionality I can give you.” Ireland offers support for police reform in Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Friday highlighted its importance as a highly potential source country of skilled human resources for Japan which requires around 11 million foreign workers by 2040. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo organised a seminar followed by a business matching event at a conference center in Nagoya city of Japan. The event was supported by the Japan International Trainee and Skilled Worker Cooperation Organization (JITCO). Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan attended the event as the chief guest. Around 250 manpower-sending and recruiting organizations participated in the seminar. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali assured full cooperation from the Bangladesh Embassy in facilitating the deployment of skilled Bangladeshi workers to Japan. Dr Neyamat highlighted a statistical comparison of the human resource situation in Japan and Bangladesh noting the fact that Japan is projected to require around 11 million foreign workers by 2040. Bangladesh, Japan discuss enhanced cooperation in skilled migration, healthcare He said Bangladesh currently has a surplus of about 25 million working-age individuals—a trend expected to continue until 2040. The senior secretary vowed to take all possible steps to fill Japan’s 11 million labor shortage by 2040. He also referred to the designation of 33 Technical Training Centers (TTCs) dedicated to preparing Bangladeshi manpower for the Japanese labor market, adding that the number could be increased if necessary. The senior secretary mentioned the establishment of a “Japan Cell” within the Ministry as a coordination and communication point specifically focused on the Japanese labor market. Dr Bhuiyan expressed hope that both countries would benefit from the joint efforts of Bangladeshi and Japanese recruiting organizations. Ambassador Shigeo Matsutomi, Senior Vice President of JITCO, made a presentation on global labor market trends and the employment prospects in Japan. Bangladesh, Japan hold human resources seminar in Tokyo; 13 MoUs signed Later, four instruments were signed between Bangladeshi manpower-sending agencies and Japanese recruiting companies. Officials of the Bangladesh Embassy were also present at the seminar.

Honorary consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group Masud Jamil Khan hosted a farewell dinner in honour of Baroness Nuala O’Loan, a member of the UK House of Lords and the first Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland in Bangladesh and Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh (based in Delhi), at his residence in Dhaka recently. The evening brought together academics, diplomats, business leaders and artists, marking the culmination of a week of cultural and diplomatic engagements involving the visiting dignitaries. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Kevin Kelly expressed appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended by the hosts. “Your beautiful home feels more like an art gallery than a home — and we always feel so welcome here,” he said. Reflecting on the broader cooperation between Ireland, the UK, and the European Union, Ambassador Kelly added: “It’s quite symbolic that Michael (Miller, EU ambassador) and Sarah (Cooke, UK high commissioner) have collaborated with us on this initiative. We’re now in a really good space with the new British and Irish governments, working closely to complete the peace process efforts. The EU played such an important role in that journey, so it’s wonderful to have this kind of symmetry here.” He also lauded Baroness O’Loan for her dedication during her brief but impactful visit. “She’s been such a good sport. Since leaving Ballymena on Tuesday morning, she’s hardly slept — yet she’s been full of energy, engaging, and insightful throughout. I’ve learned so much from our conversations, and I’m deeply grateful for the time she’s given us,” said Kelly. In her remarks, Baroness Nuala O’Loan shared her reflections on Bangladesh’s resilience and progress. “I watched the unrest in July and August (2024) and wondered what might happen — whether the country would fall apart. But the people of Bangladesh have shown a deep desire to move forward peacefully and constructively,” she said.