United News of Bangladesh

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, calling it an irreparable loss to Bangladesh’s political life and to the wider South Asian region. In a statement on Sunday, he said Khaleda Zia was a towering political figure whose contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh were significant and enduring. Her leadership and lifelong dedication to public service have left a lasting imprint on Bangladesh's history and will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and  Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Both leaders conveyed their sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy on this great loss, praying to Almighty Allah to bestow His abundant mercy and forgiveness upon her, grant her a place in His eternal Paradise, and give patience and comfort to her family, relatives, and loved ones. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. In a separate condolence message addressed to the President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, the United Arab Emirates conveyed its deepest sympathies on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation on Sunday and discussed issues of mutual interest. They reviewed Bangladesh-Pakistan relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, officials said. They also exchanged views on recent developments in Asia and the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact amid the evolving situation.  

Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Ark Galaxy Technology Co., Ltd. and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in vocational education, skills development, and human resource capacity building between Bangladesh and China. The MoU was signed on January 3 at the BCCCI Office and aims to establish a long-term and sustainable cooperative framework between affiliated vocational institutions of Bangladesh and leading vocational institutions of China. Under this strategic partnership, the parties will collaborate on technical training programs, institutional exchanges, technology sharing, and capacity development initiatives, thereby contributing to industrial growth and workforce modernization in both countries. Read more: Beijing seeks deeper cooperation with Dhaka to advance ‘Health Silk Road’ The signing ceremony was attended by Mohd. Khorshed Alam, President of BCCCI; Yue Xueshan, General Manager of Beijing Ark Galaxy Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lu Yong, Deputy General Manager of CCECC Bangladesh Ltd. (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation). On behalf of BCCCI, the event was also attended by Secretary General Jamilur Rahman, Adviser to President Md. Faizul Alam, Vice President Khandaker Atiqur Rahman, Vice President Masud Ali Khan, Director Asif Haque Rupo, Executive Director Md. Abu Taher & Dr. Md. Sadi, Principal, Yidai Yilu Chinese Institute. This MoU, BCCCI on Sunday said, represents a significant milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation and fostering long-term partnerships aimed at supporting inclusive development and industrial competitiveness. Read more: 17 private banks sign MoU to support universal pension scheme

Despite occasional tensions, Bangladesh and India continue to value goodwill and good neighbourliness, recognising that cooperation, not confrontation, best serves the interests of the two close neighbours bound by shared history, borders and cultural ties. The recent visit by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Bangladesh signals a renewed emphasis on advancing this spirit of good neighbourliness and partnership based on mutual respect. “For any country in diplomacy, relations with neighbors get priority, especially for those who are not global powers - for example, Bangladesh. For them, relations with neighbors are very important,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, highlighting the importance of relations with big and small neighbors. The Adviser, who believes in the country’s permanent interest, said one of their key tasks is to maintain good relations with all small and big neighbors and try to get benefits out of that. Bangladesh is connected with India through trade, connectivity, water sharing, security and people-to-people exchanges. “When Bangladesh and India remain sensitive to each other’s concerns and avoid actions that undermine the other’s interests, it helps reduce misunderstandings and build confidence,” said a diplomat. Prepared to engage with any govt emerges through inclusive polls in Bangladesh: India Such an approach, the diplomat thinks, strengthens regional stability, supports economic growth, and enables both nations to address common challenges through dialogue. Adviser Hossain said foreign policy is, to a large extent, influenced by domestic policy. “You can’t forget it.” During an event at IIT Madras in Chennai, Jaishankar on Friday replied to a question on India’s neighborhood policy and Bangladesh issues, days after attending the funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Good Neighbours He highlighted the difference between “good neighbors” and “bad neighbors,” and said India supports and assists countries that maintain cooperative ties. He cited examples such as vaccine diplomacy, economic aid and crisis support. At the same time, he asserted India’s right to defend itself against neighbors that persist with terrorism, stressing that New Delhi’s approach is guided by common sense and national interest. “If you have a neighbor who is good to you, or at least who is not harmful to you, your natural instinct is to be kind and to help that neighbor. If the neighbor has a problem, you would like to contribute in some way. If nothing else, you will say hello, you will try to build friendships and bonding, and that is what we do as a country,” Jaishankar said. He said whenever there is a spirit of good neighborliness, India chooses to invest, help and share. “With good neighbors, India invests, helps and shares, whether it was vaccines during COVID, fuel and food support during the Ukraine conflict, or the $4 billion assistance to Sri Lanka during its financial crisis.” Wishing Bangladesh well for the upcoming national election, Jaishankar said the sense of neighborliness in the region will grow once things settle down. "Right now, they (Bangladesh) are heading for elections. We wish them well in that election. We hope that once things settle down, the sense of neighborliness in this region will grow," he said. Jaishankar wishes Bangladesh well for polls, hopes deepened neighbourly ties Highlighting the growth of India, Jaishankar said if India grows, all its neighbors will grow with them. "We will have many more opportunities. I think that in a sense is the message that I also took to Bangladesh," said Jaishankar who visited Bangladesh recently. Bad Neighbours Jaishankar also spoke about India’s “bad neighbours” and said if a country decides to “deliberately, persistently, unrepentantly continue with terrorism” India has the right to protect itself from such “neighbours”. “We will exercise that right. How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should do or not. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves. It is a common sense proposition,” he said. South Asian nations’ gesture highlights Khaleda’s respect, stature: Foreign Adviser The Indian External Affairs Minister said if there is no good neighbourliness, “you do not get the benefits of that good neighbourliness. You cannot say, "Please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.” Economic Interests Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has recently said Bangladesh manages its ties with India by keeping economic interests distinct from political rhetoric, with trade-related decisions driven by competitiveness and national interest rather than diplomacy. “Our trade policy is not driven by political considerations. If importing rice from India is cheaper than sourcing it from Vietnam or elsewhere, then it makes economic sense to buy from India,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase. Salehuddin said Bangladesh would import essentials such as rice from India if prices remain competitive, regardless of the prevailing political discourse between the two neighbours, mentioning that imports from alternative markets could cost Tk 10 more per kilogram. Khaleda's passing leaves irreplaceable void, but her vision, legacy will endure: Modi Salehuddin stressed that Bangladesh has never pursued punitive trade measures against India for political reasons. “We do not believe in using trade as a tool for political retaliation. Our priority is to ensure supplies at the best possible price for our people,” he added. Deep Relations “Relations between Bangladesh and India are so deep ... .it will remain good in the future. There is no alternative to maintaining good relations between the two countries,” said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently. Referring to huge "interdependencies" on each other, he said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is historically, politically and economically very close and they cannot deviate from this. Bangladesh will hold a high-stakes national election on February 12 the first polls since mass uprising last year, excluding the Bangladesh Awami League, activities of which remain suspended. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold 'free, fair, and peaceful' elections on February 12 next year. Jaishankar hands over PM Modi’s personal letter to Tarique Rahman Highlighting the importance of stability and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, India said it wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, which is rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives. “We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed his deepest condolences to Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin following a devastating fire at a bar in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana that killed at least 40 people and injured 119 others, one of the deadliest tragedies in Switzerland’s history. “I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic fire incident at a ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, that caused the loss of many invaluable lives,” Prof Yunus said in a message of condolences to the Swiss President. “With a deep sense of grief, I, on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, express the deepest condolence and heartfelt sympathy to Your Excellency and through you to the bereaved family members of the victims as well as to all the people of the Swiss Confederation at this mourning moment,” he said. Prof Yunus said their thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this period of immense grief and shock. “May the Almighty bestow His mercy on the departed souls of the deceased and grant their family members the courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the message shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing reads. Investigators said Friday that they believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited a fatal fire at the Swiss ski resort, when they came too close to the ceiling of a bar crowded with New Year’s Eve revelers. Authorities planned to look into whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles, which give off a stream of upward-shooting sparks, were permitted for use in the bar, reports AP. Switzerland reaffirms support for Bangladesh in resolving Rohingya crisis Officials said they would also look at other safety measures on the premises, including fire extinguishers and escape routes. The attorney general for the Valais region warned of possible prosecutions if any criminal liability is found.

Wishing Bangladesh well for the upcoming national election, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday said the sense of neighbourliness in the region will grow once things settle down. "Right now, they (Bangladesh) are heading for elections. We wish them well in that elections. We hope that once things settle down, the sense of neighbourliness in this region will grow," he said. The Indian External Affairs Minister made the remarks while responding to a question at an interactive session in Chennai, India. Highlighting the growth of India, Jaishankar said if India grows, all its neighbours will grow with them. "We will have many more opportunities. I think that in a sense is the message that I also took to Bangladesh," said Jaishankar who visited Bangladesh recently.

On the last day of the three-day mourning observed in accordance with government directives, the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu, with the participation of the Bangladeshi community, on Friday organized a special Du'a after Jumu‘ah prayers at a local mosque in Kathmandu, seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for the departed soul of Desh Netri (National Leader) Begum Khaleda Zia, the late three-time elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The SAARC Secretary-General, Ambassador Golam Sarwar; Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal; officers and staff of Bangladesh Embassy; Bangladeshi professionals and businesspersons working in Kathmandu; and local people from various walks of life, were present during the special prayer. With the assistance of Qur’an Hafiz from a local Hafizia madrasa, a complete recitation (Khatam) of the Holy Qur’an was performed prior to the holy Jumu‘ah prayer. As per the decision of the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal is observing three days of state mourning with due honor at the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. On Thursday, a condolence book was opened on the embassy premises. On the first day, the SAARC Secretary-General, Ambassador Golam Sarwar, along with diplomats from neighboring countries India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, as well as Egypt, signed the condolence book. In addition, senior officials of Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and business leaders also paid their respects by signing the book. On the second day, the Ambassadors of Germany and the United Kingdom to Nepal, along with diplomats from Thailand and the United Nations, signed the condolence book.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced the full enforcement of mandatory digital salary transfers for all domestic workers, effective January 1, 2026. The regulation applies to all employers without exception and marks the completion of the phased implementation that was gradually introduced throughout 2025. The initiative aims to expand the service nationwide and ensure its comprehensive adoption, while further strengthening the protection of rights for both employers and domestic workers. The mandatory digital transfer of salaries represents a significant step in regulating contractual relationships, as it ensures proper documentation of wage payments and enhances transparency through secure electronic transfers conducted via official channels, including approved banks and licensed digital wallets. The salary transfer process follows simple and secure procedures, beginning with linking the worker’s mobile number to their residency ID, followed by opening a bank account or digital wallet in the worker’s name. Employers can then transfer salaries directly through the Domestic Worker Salary Transfer service. The service provides multiple benefits, including accurate documentation of salary payments, assurance of timely and regular wage disbursement, and smoother procedures upon contract termination or the worker’s departure. It also enables domestic workers to safely and reliably remit their earnings to their families in their home countries. In addition, employers may authorize representatives to carry out salary transfers on their behalf through a straightforward electronic authorization request, ensuring flexibility and continuity. The Ministry affirmed that this measure is part of its ongoing efforts to regulate the labor market and advance digital services, in line with its efforts to enhance market efficiency, improve the work environment, and promote fairness and stability in contractual relationships.

Inqilab Moncho on Friday staged demonstration demanding justice for its slain spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi, with a huge number of protesters in attendance. They brought out a procession from the central mosque premises of Dhaka University after Jumma prayers. During the demonstrations, the protesters chanted slogans such as “We want justice,” Bharot na Bangladesh, Bangladesh, Bangladesh,” etc. Earlier on December 28, the platform announced a four-point demand seeking justice for Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The four-point demands were as follows: All those involved in the killing—including the perpetrator, the planner, aides to the murder, those who assisted in the escape, and those who provided shelter—must be brought to justice within the next 24 days. Work permits of all Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh must be cancelled. If India refuses to repatriate the accused murderers who have taken refuge there, a case should be filed against India at the International Court of Justice. Fascist elements allegedly hiding within the Civil Military Intelligence must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice. Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. Later, he was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. On December 20, he was laid to rest beside the grave of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at Dhaka University.