United News of Bangladesh

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Monday said India remains Bangladesh’s closest neighbour and its support for the nomination of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly reflects a cooperative and generous approach. “The current parliament is very vibrant. The opposition party is playing an active role. We need to identify areas of cooperation and take steps to strengthen parliamentary relations,” he said when outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on the Speaker at his office. The Speaker also recalled that strong bilateral ties between Bangladesh and India were forged during the 1971 Liberation War when India extended all possible support to Bangladesh. During the meeting, Verma said the Parliamentary Friendship Group could play a key role in strengthening ties between the two countries. “Diplomatic relations will move forward through bilateral visits of parliamentary delegations,” he said. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations including economic cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people contacts through constructive engagement. The High Commissioner also congratulated Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on his election as Speaker and presented him with a copy of the Constitution and a memento on behalf of the Government of India. Pranay Varma also paid courtesy call on Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker 'expressed interest in promoting deeper exchanges' with the Parliament of India. They discussed possible opportunities for exchanges between Parliamentary committees, capacity building opportunities for Members and officials of Parliament, and mutual visits of Parliamentary delegations, according to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The High Commissioner underlined the importance of Parliamentary exchanges and cooperation as a vital part of their efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. He briefed the Speaker and Deputy Speaker on various institutional initiatives taken by the Parliament of India to strengthen and modernize resources and practices. The High Commissioner also had a brief visit to the Parliament Library at the Jatiya Sangsad and exchanged views on potential collaboration between the libraries of the Parliaments of the two countries in areas such as digitization of records and collaborative research. Senior officials of the Indian High Commission, the Parliament Secretariat and other concerned officials were present.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam on Sunday said the situation could deteriorate further, affecting the world, if a solution does not emerge from the US-Iran peace talks. "Every country will be affected - economically, socially, and in every way. We don’t want that at all," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that they want the talks to be expedited and a resolution to be reached. Meanwhile, the State Minister requested Iran to consider facilitating the safe passage of Bangladesh-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. She raised the issue when Ambassador of Iran to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi met her.  

German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks separately called on Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday, with both meetings centered on ways to deepen bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between their respective countries and Bangladesh. The meetings, held at the minister's office, underscored Bangladesh's growing importance as a trade and investment destination for European partners. Addressing both envoys, the minister noted that Europe remains a principal destination for Bangladeshi exports and that stronger bilateral trade cooperation could yield mutual benefits. He acknowledged non-tariff barriers with EU member states, adding that the commerce ministry has already initiated discussions with relevant ministries to address these hurdles. During his meeting with the German ambassador, Muktadir invited Germany to invest in Bangladesh's light engineering, textile and leather sectors, pointing out that the government has undertaken wide-ranging measures to foster a business-friendly environment. He stressed that foreign investment is critical to generating employment for the nearly two to 2.2 million new entrants joining the country's workforce each year. Ambassador Lotz expressed Germany's keen interest in strengthening commercial ties with Dhaka. He highlighted his country's willingness to work on market-oriented skill development and emerging market growth, while also calling for a level playing field for business and trade.

Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi on Sunday said many ships are waiting in the Strait of Hormuz due to the war situation, and said he was hopeful that they will be able to cross the Strait “very soon”. “Some Bangladeshi ships are also stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. We will cooperate with Bangladesh. We will make arrangements for the release of Bangladeshi ships. The ships will be able to cross the Strait of Hormuz very soon. We will take action in this regard after talking to the Bangladesh government,” said the Ambassador. The Iranian Ambassador made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an anti-war crimes exhibition titled 'Remembering the Martyred Students of the Islamic Republic of Iran: Demanding Justice and Accountability for US-Israeli War Crimes' organized by the Revolutionary Students' Council at Dhaka University on Sunday. The Ambassador said the relations between Bangladesh and Iran are good and they consider Bangladesh as a brotherly country. “We have no enmity with Bangladesh.” Regarding the Pakistan-mediated talks between Iran and the United States, the Ambassador thanked Pakistan for arranging the talks, according to a media release. “At the same time, I thank those who have cooperated with us, including Oman."

Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in launching operations of its new airline, Riyadh Air, in Bangladesh, aiming to enhance air connectivity between the two countries. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah expressed the interest at a meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) at the latter’s office in the Secretariat here on Sunday. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present, said a PID handout. During the meeting, the minister underscored the need to improve the services of Saudi airlines for Bangladeshi passengers. In response, the Saudi envoy assured that necessary steps would be taken to enhance service standards in the near future. He expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in establishing a station and launching operations of Saudi Arabia's second flag carrier, Riyadh Air, in Bangladesh. At the time, the state minister urged Saudi authorities to consider operating flights not only from Dhaka but also from Sylhet and Chattogram, in order to better serve passengers across the country. During the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to develop Bangladesh’s tourism sector with Saudi cooperation.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday encouraged the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to explore ‘suitable humanitarian engagement modalities’ in Bhasan Char to further enhance assistance efforts. The State Minister also thanked IFRC and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for their continued contributions to the Rohingya humanitarian response, including healthcare delivery and the provision of safe drinking water in Cox’s Bazar. She received Head of Delegation of the IFRC Alberto Bocanegra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed areas of cooperation. Bocanegra reaffirmed IFRC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the government of Bangladesh to strengthen effective humanitarian action, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed his interest in working with the government of Bangladesh to support ongoing efforts to contain and respond to the measles outbreak. He also conveyed IFRC’s readiness to assist the Government in scaling up capacity-building initiatives, enhancing disaster response mechanisms and advancing community resilience programmes in Bangladesh. The State Minister expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the IFRC, recalling its invaluable humanitarian support since the Liberation War of 1971. She commended IFRC’s prompt response to natural catastrophes, the COVID-19 pandemic and its initiatives in community-based disaster management. She emphasized the importance of harnessing youth volunteerism in disaster preparedness, particularly in early cyclone warning systems and community evacuation efforts. She encouraged IFRC to explore suitable humanitarian engagement modalities in Bhasan Char to further enhance assistance efforts.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s steadfast support for the just cause of Palestine and the brotherly Palestinian people, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent position in favour of a two-State solution, as well as peace and stability in the Middle East. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef Ramadan paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Both sides also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Palestine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister warmly welcomed the Ambassador and conveyed gratitude to the Palestinian leadership for their felicitations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its victory in the 13th Parliamentary Election and the formation of the government.    

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Sunday said Canada remains a ‘longstanding and steadfast partner’ in the Rohingya crisis response and accounted CAD 10 million contributions to provide clean, safe and sustainable cooking fuel for the Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar. “This climate-responsive humanitarian contribution will reduce deforestation and carbon emissions in an environmentally fragile district that will benefit refugees, Bangladeshis, and the wider population,” said the High Commissioner. He said it will also lower the risks to vulnerable people, especially women, girls, and children, including those that stem from gathering firewood. “Canada is pleased to provide this $10 million contribution to UNHCR and IOM to strengthen environmental protection that benefits us all, as well as advance the wellbeing of vulnerable Rohingya refugees,” said the High Commissioner. The funding to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM, the International Organization for Migration, will ensure the continued provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the Rohingya, essential for them to cook, while helping to preserve the fragile environment surrounding the camps and improve safety, health and dignity for refugees, particularly women and children, said the UN agency. Cox’s Bazar, one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of Bangladesh, faces recurrent flooding, landslides, cyclones, fires and environmental degradation. Since the start of LPG distribution to Rohingya refugees, the programme has reduced firewood use by 80% among refugee households, preventing an estimated 407,000t of CO₂ emissions every year. “Nine years on, Rohingya refugees are navigating one of the world’s most difficult displacement situations – protracted crisis compounded by climate vulnerability,” said UNHCR Deputy Representative in Bangladesh Juliette Murekeyisoni. “Canada’s support comes at a crucial time, and I am deeply grateful for it. Sustained international solidarity remains critical to ensuring that refugees can live in dignity while we work toward conditions for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return.” Chief of Mission for IOM in Bangladesh Giuseppe Loprete said safe, reliable energy is fundamental to the well-being of families who have experienced immense hardship for the past nine years. “We thank Canada for their generous support, which ensures that refugees can avoid dangerous firewood collection and live in healthier environments, while also protecting local forests and biodiversity.” The provision of LPG has been central to the response since 2018. Studies have shown it has dramatically improved indoor air quality in the densely populated camps and lowered household spending on cooking fuel. The UN refugee agency said Canada’s contribution will support LPG access for some 243,500 refugee households and help conserve up to 10,700 hectares of protected forest in Cox’s Bazar. It also strengthens community resilience by stabilizing slopes, reducing landslide risks, and lowering human wildlife conflict around ecologically sensitive areas.

Marking a glorious chapter in human history, a bust of Yuri Gagarin was unveiled on Sunday to commemorate 65 years since the first human spaceflight. Speaking at the event, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin said Gagarin was not merely a cosmonaut but a symbol of humanity. He emphasised that science knows no borders and that space exploration represents a shared dream of humankind. Yuri Gagarin had become the first human to conquer space. President of the Russian Friendship Society with Bangladesh Mia Sattar described the sculpture as more than a memorial, calling it a symbol of the future. He said bilateral ties between the two countries are steadily strengthening, particularly in the areas of science, education, and cultural cooperation. He said such initiatives would inspire young people and encourage the next generation to engage in space research. Alexandra Khlevnoy, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, and Munira Sultana, Director General of the National Museum of Science and Technology, among others, were present. The speakers highlighted a shared message - friendship, cooperation, and progress. The programme, jointly organised by the Russian Friendship Society with Bangladesh, the Russian Association for International Cooperation, and the Russian House, carried special significance, they said. The event also pointed to a promising possibility that one day, a Bangladeshi astronaut may travel to space, which sparked renewed hope among attendees. The bust now stands as more than a work of art, said the organisers, adding that it conveys a message - to advance scientific inquiry, to break boundaries, and to dream. Perhaps one day, from this very museum courtyard, a young mind will begin its journey toward the stars, the organizers said. A distinct atmosphere prevailed at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Agargaon, Dhaka, as the venue buzzed with a festive spirit as students, researchers, and diplomats gathered in large numbers.

A delegation of diplomats from six countries recently visited the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone (MIEZ) in Narayanganj to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The delegation included Haris bin Othman, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam; Mohd Shuhada Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia; Kyaw Soe Moe, Ambassador of Myanmar; Nina Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines; Mitchel Lee, Chargé d’Affaires of Singapore; and Suphawadee Wongsawasdi, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission of Thailand. Australia lauds contributions of Bangladeshi community to Australian society, economy Mostafa Kamal, Chairman and Managing Director of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) along with Taif Bin Yousuf, Senior Executive Director of MGI, welcomed the delegation and thanked them for visiting MGI’s factories and MIEZ’s investor facilities, said a media release on Saturday. During the visit, the diplomats expressed interest in the zones and satisfaction with the facilities MGI offers to global investors. They said they would share with other business communities in their countries to explore investment opportunities in MGI’s economic zones. “Our economic zones are fully operational and built to international standards. We have the infrastructure in place to ensure that foreign investors can move from setup to production without delay, said Mostafa Kamal. He said, “Through MGI’s one-stop service, we provide the clarity and speed global businesses need to succeed here and I am confident these partnerships will continue to drive Bangladesh’s industrial growth.” Currently, MGI has three private economic zones available for investors: Meghna Economic Zone, Meghna Industrial Economic Zone, and Comilla Economic Zone. The group has developed its economic zones as modern, investor-friendly hubs with comprehensive facilities and security systems. Since their inception, companies from the USA, Australia, Germany, Japan, Norway, India, China, Switzerland, and Belgium have already established factories in these zones.