United News of Bangladesh

Member of German Bundestag (Parliament) Boris Mijatovic, representing the Green Party, has visited Bangladesh and discussed the current situation in Bangladesh including preparations for the upcoming elections.  He was also interested in the country's economic development and energy projects, especially the potential for renewable energy in the region.  Besides, the German MP was visiting Bangladesh to examine the regional implications of the conflict in Myanmar, with the goal of bringing these issues back to the international agenda.  To this end, he subsequently traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand. His agenda focused on bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on education, supply chains, environmental concerns, working conditions, and the situation of refugees and host communities. Mijatovic also discussed with Labour Adviser M. Sakhawat Hussain issues surrounding global supply chains.  He was eager to engage in dialogue on these matters, particularly given his previous statements on labour migration and working conditions in the Gulf region. They conferred about challenges associated with shipbreaking and its many related problems. Mijatovic explored Bangladesh's textile industry through a programme organised by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), gaining insights into one of the country's key economic sectors and discussed possible measures to improve working conditions with representatives from civil society and university students from BRAC University.  During his visit, Mijatovic travelled to Cox's Bazar, where he visited Rohingya refugee camps and engaged with relevant stakeholders to better understand the humanitarian challenges and ongoing relief operations in the region.  This visit from October 26 to 29 underscored his commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in the areas of human rights, working conditions, and humanitarian aid.

Bangladesh and Japan on Thursday discussed expanding cooperation in the areas of skilled migration, healthcare and pharmaceuticals as part of their growing bilateral partnership. Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, senior secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, met with Akiyama Shinichi, Senior Assistant Minister for International Affairs of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in Tokyo. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali was also present. Dr. Bhuiyan highlighted the close bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan, built on shared values of democracy, development, human rights, and the rule of law. He also emphasised Bangladesh’s five decades of experience as a major manpower-sending country and its growing contribution to Japan’s construction, caregiving, manufacturing, and IT sectors. Referring to recent initiatives, he mentioned the signing of two MoUs during the Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus’s visit to Japan in May 2025, targeting the recruitment of 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years. He also discussed the establishment of a dedicated Japan Cell to coordinate Japanese language and skills training across government and private institutions. Dr. Bhuiyan expressed gratitude to Japan for initiating Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) field tests in Bangladesh and urged consideration for additional sectors including Manufacture of Food and Beverage, Food Service Industry, Industrial Product Manufacturing, Automobile Repair and Maintenance, Aviation Industry, and Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry. He further proposed deeper collaboration in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and urged Japan to invest or collaborate in medical technology and to import high-quality Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals product. Senior Assistant Minister Akiyama welcomed Bangladesh’s initiatives, acknowledging Japan’s growing need for foreign workers amid an aging population. He assured continued cooperation and encouraged coordination through Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo. Later in the afternoon, senior secretary attended a seminar on Human Resources organised by IM Japan, a major manpower receiving organization in Japan. Around 200 Japanese companies attended the seminar.  

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Thursday strongly condemned and protested a social media rumour claiming that India has occupied 62 kilometres of territory in Lalmonirhat. In an official statement, BGB said a vested quarter is deliberately spreading the baseless and anti-state claim titled ‘India occupies 62 kilometres in Lalmonirhat’ with the intention of misleading the public and tarnishing the country’s image. The statement described the dissemination of such fabricated information as an attempt to create confusion among citizens. It reaffirmed that every inch of Bangladesh’s sovereign territory remains under the full control of BGB. BGB also emphasised that its personnel remain vigilant and committed to protecting the country’s borders with the highest level of professionalism and patriotism. The border force urged the public not to share or comment on unverified information on social media and to remain cautious against those engaged in spreading false propaganda.  

The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday said Canada has been a longstanding advocate for ‘free, fair, inclusive and participatory’ elections in Bangladesh. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership and discussed progress towards a ‘peaceful and inclusive’ democratic transition.

The US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) has said sustained dialogue, transparent election administration, and "credible participation by political parties" will be essential to mitigate polarisation and reinforce confidence in the transition. The Election Commission has introduced reforms to enhance participation and operational preparedness, including mechanisms for out-of-country voting, said the IRI on November 5. To strengthen election security, it plans to integrate the armed forces into the election security framework. Despite these efforts, the IRI said the pre-election environment remains fragile, with isolated yet politically significant episodes of violence, questions about the neutrality of local officials, and lingering distrust of security forces. The emergence of youth-led parties and the anticipated high turnout of first-time and diaspora voters signal a potential shift in political engagement and underscore the continued influence of youth activism on Bangladesh’s democratic renewal. Canada advocates for ‘free, participatory’ elections in Bangladesh However, challenges persist — candidate selection processes within political parties lack transparency, women remain underrepresented, and concerns are mounting that the growing appeal of extremist and hardline groups could embolden intolerant narratives and undermine Bangladesh’s secular political foundations, IRI said. It observed that while Bangladesh’s Election Commission and the Interim Government have taken commendable steps to enhance electoral credibility and ensure transparent election administration, maintaining public trust will require consistent communication and ongoing engagement with political and civic stakeholders. The IRI, an organisation dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide, deployed a pre-election assessment mission from October 20 to 24 to examine Bangladesh’s evolving political and electoral landscape ahead of the expected February 2026 parliamentary elections. The polls will mark the first major test of the country’s democratic transition following the July 2024 student-led protests and the formation of the interim government. This impartial assessment highlights the progress of the interim government’s reform agenda, including the creation of 11 reform commissions, renewed inter-party dialogue and broad consultations on the July National Charter,  a comprehensive framework of 84 proposals addressing nearly every aspect of Bangladesh’s democratic architecture, the IRI said in a statement on November 5. Ambassador Mushfiqul promotes Bangladesh-Mexico trade ties at Querétaro It noted that disputes over the Charter’s sequencing, referendum timing, and enforcement mechanisms underscore the challenges of building a broad-based political consensus. Political parties, the IRI observed, are actively shaping the transition by participating in reform dialogues and undertaking early electoral preparations such as candidate recruitment. Yet, they must continue strengthening internal structures, increasing responsiveness to citizens, and rebuilding public trust to foster meaningful political competition, said the organisation. The Institute said civil society organisations have re-emerged as key actors in promoting transparency and civic participation. Expanding civic space and ensuring that the media, watchdog groups, and grassroots movements can operate freely will be essential to sustaining reform momentum and public confidence. The assessment provides a non-partisan analysis of these dynamics, identifies key risks to electoral integrity, and offers actionable recommendations to support credible and peaceful elections as Bangladesh enters a new phase of democratic renewal. Statement of Findings and Recommendations The IRI conducted its pre-election assessment mission in Bangladesh from October 20–24, 2025, ahead of the expected February 2026 parliamentary elections. The mission, composed of international policy and election experts, met with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the Election Commission, political parties, interim government officials, and civil society representatives, to evaluate the electoral environment and prospects for democratic renewal. Dhaka eyes new horizons in partnership with Kathmandu The interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, has launched an ambitious reform agenda through 11 commissions and the National Consensus Commission, culminating in the July National Charter, a framework of 84 proposals addressing nearly every aspect of Bangladesh’s democratic architecture. While the Charter has been broadly endorsed, its implementation remains uncertain due to procedural ambiguities and divergent party positions on timing and enforcement. The trajectory of the July National Charter and the extent to which political parties institutionalise democratic norms, including those advanced by the student movement, will determine the direction of Bangladesh’s democratic transition. As Bangladesh moves toward the expected February elections, the coming months will reveal whether the promise of the post-uprising reform movement can be institutionalised through credible and peaceful polls. The interim government’s success will depend on its ability to maintain neutrality, ensure security, and advance the National Consensus Commission’s reform agenda towards tangible implementation. The July National Charter provides a blueprint for democratic renewal, but much of its realisation will rest on the next parliament’s political will. Ireland offers support for police reform in Bangladesh The IRI pre-election assessment mission held 21 meetings with 59 stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, the Interim Government, the Election  Commission, the media, international organisations, and civil society, and expressed gratitude to all who shared their insights. Throughout 2025, the National Consensus Commission struggled to reconcile competing preferences over how and when to enact reforms. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists that the Charter should be implemented after the February 2026 elections to avoid what it describes as “procedural overreach” by the unelected interim government. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami and several allied Islamist parties advocate holding a referendum before the election to ensure reforms become binding on the next parliament. Newer parties, such as the National Citizen Party (NCP), occupy an intermediate position, favoring simultaneous elections for the national parliament and the formation of a body with limited constituent authority. The NCP has further proposed renaming the Charter the “Bangladesh Constitution 2026”, requiring all public officials to take a renewed oath under it, a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing the break from past authoritarianism. French Ambassador presents credentials to President In October, the National Consensus Commission drafted an implementation plan requiring enforcement of the Charter’s provisions within nine months of the next parliament’s seating. The plan, however, does not yet define penalties for missed deadlines, leaving its enforceability uncertain. These procedural ambiguities underscore how the reform process remains dependent on post-election political will. With roughly four months remaining until the expected polls, the Election Commission has emerged as both a key institutional actor and a flashpoint for partisan criticism. The proposed Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (RPO) includes significant changes aimed at enhancing transparency and rebuilding voter confidence. The revised RPO raises campaign spending limits, reintroduces the “No Vote” option, and empowers the Election Commission to annul constituency results in cases of irregularities. Following months of public consultation, the Election Commission also cancelled the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming election, citing operational challenges and concerns over credibility.

Bangladesh and Mexico have explored the new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, with emphasis on strengthening institutional partnerships between the business chambers of both the countries. Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey undertook an official visit to the State of Querétaro recently to participate in the 31st Mexican International Trade Congress, co-organised by the Mexican Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE) and the government of Querétaro. During the visit, Ambassador Mushfiqul held a productive bilateral meeting with Genaro Montes Díaz, Undersecretary of Economic Development of Querétaro, said a media release on Wednesday. Bangladesh, Mexico eye collaboration in defense, air services, renewable energy, technology The Ambassador also attended a networking reception at the Querétaro Art Museum, where he exchanged views with Governor Mauricio Kuri, Sergio Contreras, Executive President of COMCE and Francisco Cervantes Díaz, President of the Business Coordination Council. He also participated in the formal inauguration of the Trade Congress, graced by high-level government and business representatives. The event highlighted Querétaro’s growing importance as a hub for industrial innovation and nearshoring, and the Embassy reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering stronger economic and commercial linkages with Mexico.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday stressed building a string and vibrant partnerships between the two countries both in the public and private sectors through creating a value chain. He talked about the value chain that connects increased trade and market access, connectivity, investment in joint ventures in energy and tourism across the shared region adding the mutual possibilities of Bangladesh's sea ports for Nepali goods and leveraging Nepal's hydroelectricity potential. The Ambassador, who visited the office of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) upon official invitation by the organisation, emphasised the historic close connections between the two countries – Bangladesh and Nepal. He stressed the importance of increasing collaboration in various sectors including agriculture, industries and services particularly, food production, agri-business, fish processing and food security. The Ambassador held a ‘productive’ meeting with the members of the organisation led by the Chamber's Chairman Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal in the Chamber office. The NCC is the oldest chamber in Nepal, recently celebrating 75 years of activities in facilitating trade and commerce, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal. The NCC Chairman warmly welcomed the Ambassador and briefed about the organisation’s activities, initiatives and works. He highlighted key issues concerning the existing trade dynamics, particularly addressing the trade deficit currently favouring Bangladesh. The meeting focused on exploring avenues to enhance and strengthen bilateral trade figure between Nepal and Bangladesh. Discussions centered on how both countries could facilities to reduce this imbalance and change the trade figures by addressing the existing impediments to the trade. The Chairman expressed optimism regarding the potentials of regional organizations like SAARC, BBIN, and BIMSTEC, underlining that improved regional cooperation and People to People (P2P) connectivity would benefit both the nations and the region significantly. The Ambassador reassured the delegation that the Embassy is committed to acting as a bridge for the business communities of both countries and pledged to advocate vigorously for policies and actions that help improve and increase the bilateral trade relations strengthening economic collaboration. In the meeting, First Secretary (Trade Promotion and Culture) was also present. Bangladesh, Nepal chief justices discuss legal, judicial cooperation Meanwhile, the Ambassador congratulated Arifur Rahman Ujjal for completing three different trekking routes — the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Everest Base Camp — in the Himalayan region in a single expedition by bicycle. He is the first person to complete these three distinct and challenging routes together by bicycle. During this courageous and adventurous journey, he cycled more than 820 kilometers through the mountains.    

Ireland has expressed its willingness to share experience and expertise in police reform to support Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountable and rights-based governance following the July 2024 uprising. Non-resident Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh, Kevin Kelly, and Baroness Nuala O’Loan, the first Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland, made the proposal as they called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday. Baroness O’Loan, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, served as Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman for seven years following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which marked the end of a prolonged period of conflict in the country.  Ex-Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala to visit Bangladesh Nov 5-7 She led the office during a formative phase in Northern Ireland’s history when new mechanisms of police accountability and public trust were being established. “Ireland’s own post-conflict experience offers valuable lessons in patience, inclusion, and the long-term nature of institutional reform,” Baroness O’Loan noted. “We are here to share grounded experience on realistic timelines for sustainable change,” she added. Baroness O’Loan was accompanied by Fionnuala Gilsenan, Director of the Peace and Stability Unit at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, was also present during the meeting. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus warmly welcomed Ireland’s initiative and expressed appreciation for the country’s continued engagement in supporting Bangladesh’s reform and transition processes. Bangladesh seeks greater Filipino investment, ASEAN partnership “We highly value Ireland’s support in ensuring that our ongoing transition remains peaceful, democratic, and accountable,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser also sought the cooperation of Ambassador Kelly, who is based in New Delhi, in addressing the spread of disinformation ahead of Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election in February 2026, said Chief Adviser’s press wing. Ambassador Kelly reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Bangladesh, noting that both nations share a strong commitment to peace, justice, and democratic values.

Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Wednesday said France is a ‘trusted and attentive partner’ that will continue to support Bangladesh. He said his country seeks to further develop and deepen relations between the two countries in all areas. Earlier, Séré-Charlet presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin as the 18th Ambassador of France to Bangladesh. The President and the Ambassador had an open and friendly exchange on the importance of the historical relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in order to address the challenges of our time, including defending democracy, promoting multilateralism and combating the consequences of climate change, said the French Embassy. As Ambassador to Dhaka, he looks forward to working with the experienced Embassy team to strengthen partnerships and cooperation between France and Bangladesh. He believes that the two countries share common values and interests that can be strengthened to build a lasting friendship. The President welcomed the new French envoy and expressed hope that the relations between the two countries would further strengthen in the areas of trade, investment, education and culture in the future, said a Bangabhaban media release signed by deputy secretary Md Raihan Kabir. The new French Ambassador sought the President's full cooperation in the discharge of his duties and expressed his determination to take effective steps to improve bilateral relations. Séré-Charlet is an alumnus of the École nationale d’administration (ENA) and a seasoned diplomat with nearly 25 years of experience in diplomatic and cultural affairs. Before coming to Dhaka, he served as Consul General of France in Mumbai from 2021 to August 2025. Throughout his career, he has held several key positions, including Deputy Director at the United Nations and Human Rights Department of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he, notably, contributed to France’s work in the UN Security Council and UN Human Rights Council for six years. He has also served as Counsellor at the French Embassy in Moscow and at France’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels, Cultural Counsellor at the French Embassy in Rome, and Diplomatic Advisor to the Minister of Culture and Communication in Paris. He was also Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in New Delhi from 2013 to 2015. Séré-Charlet has a deep interest in Bangladesh’s culture, history, diversity, and way of life.    

Ambassador-designate of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet presented his credentials to President Mohammed  Shahabuddin on Wednesday. The President welcomed the new French envoy and expressed hope that the relations between the two countries would further strengthen in the areas of trade, investment, education and culture in the future, said a Bangabhaban press release signed by deputy secretary Md Raihan Kabir.  The new French Ambassador sought the President's full cooperation in the discharge of his duties and expressed his determination to take effective steps to improve bilateral relations.