United News of Bangladesh

Tomo Aoyama, General Manger, Mitsubishi Electric, Japan & Non-resident Air Attache of Japan Colonel Yasumura Masashi made a courtesy ‘Call On’ the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of Bangladesh Armed Forces Division (AFD) Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan on Wednesday at Dhaka Cantonment.  During the meeting, they discussed bilateral business opportunities, partnerships and defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan, according to Bangladesh Armed Forces Division. 

Highlighting the importance of green development, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China stands ready to work with all countries, including Bangladesh, to build a more open, inclusive and mutually beneficial global economy, so that the fruits of cooperation can benefit people around the world. “Green development is the trend of our time, and win-win cooperation is our shared goal,” he said while speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Bangladesh China Green Textile Expo” held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). The Ambassador said facts have proven that Bangladesh-China cooperation is not a zero-sum game, but a path toward shared prosperity. “Our cooperation extends beyond trade figures to encompass improving people’s livelihoods and sharing development experiences. It is also a vivid practice of the two peoples working together to pursue a better life,” he said. 76 Years of Endeavor, 50 Years of Partnership — Together for a Better and Shared Future of China and Bangladesh “Let us take this Expo as a new starting point to elevate our bilateral relations and open a new chapter of win-win cooperation and shared development,” Ambassador Yao said. Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) Chairman Brigadier General S M Zahid Hassan, Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) President Mohd Khorshed Alam and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Vice President Mijanur Rahman also spoke at the inaugural session. It is the first Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo which is seen as a new milestone in the bilateral economic cooperation. This Expo, with the theme of ‘Green Textile’, carries special significance, said Ambassador Yao, noting that it showcases advanced achievements of Chinese enterprises in green textile materials and equipment, and brings together scholars and business leaders from both countries to discuss the future of the apparel industry. He said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to promote green transformation in the textile industry, support the introduction of energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly materials and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global supply chain. “This Expo is also a valuable opportunity for us to expand cooperation in textile machinery, digital printing, and smart manufacturing, and jointly build a sustainable green industrial chain,” said Ambassador Yao. China-Dhaka Day celebrated with cultural, academic events This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. “Over the past five decades, under the strategic guidance of our leaders, China-Bangladesh relations have maintained steady growth, with win-win cooperation as its defining feature,” said the Chinese envoy. He said China has remained Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade exceeding 24 billion US dollars. Since August last year, more than 20 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh, with intended investments totaling nearly 800 million US dollars, making China the largest investor since the formation of the interim government, the envoy said. At the same time, he said, more and more Bangladeshi quality agricultural products are entering the Chinese market. In May this year, the first consignment of fresh Bangladeshi mangoes was exported to China, and they are working actively to provide access for more products such as jackfruit and guava to enter the Chinese market. “China highly values its partnership with Bangladesh. We have expanded market access with an open attitude, granted zero-tariff treatment to 100% of the taxable items of Bangladeshi products, and extended this policy to 2028,” said Ambassador Yao. He said the world today is undergoing profound changes and no country can develop without a fair, stable, and open international environment. Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit, put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). Bangladesh welcomes China’s Global Governance Initiative The five core concepts of the GGI, namely, adhere to sovereign equality, abide by international law, practice multilateralism, advocate the people-centered approach, and focus on taking real actions, align with the purposes of the U.N. Charter and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to improving global governance, said Ambassador Yao. He said China solemnly proclaimed to the world a few days ago that, as a responsible major developing country, China will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the WTO. The envoy said this move stands as a testament to China’s resolve to safeguard the multilateral trading system and advance relevant global initiatives, and also demonstrates China's confidence in promoting open cooperation.

The government on Wednesday signed three important conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), marking what the Chief Adviser called a 'memorable day' for Bangladesh’s workers. Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain signed the ratification documents at the State Guest House Jamuna, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser for International Affairs; Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office; Dr Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, and ILO Country Director in Bangladesh Max Tuñón, along with other officials were also present. The three conventions are: Convention No. 155 (1981) – Occupational Safety and Health; Convention No. 187 (2006) – Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health; and Convention No. 190 (2019) – Prevention of Violence and Harassment at Work. Among them, Conventions 155 and 187 were declared “fundamental” by the ILO in 2022. Speaking at the event, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said the day marks a major milestone for labour rights in Bangladesh. “After the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013, the government at the time made promises but did very little. When I took charge, I made labour rights my first priority. I said repeatedly that it must be done—and today, we have done it,” he said. He thanked everyone who worked hard to make it happen. “This is just the beginning. Signing the documents is only the first step. We must now raise awareness about the rights these conventions guarantee and ensure they are implemented,” he added. The Chief Adviser also said the signing fulfils a personal promise. “The journey that began with the Rana Plaza tragedy has reached a major checkpoint today. Those workers gave us their lives—this is a step in repaying that debt.” Labour Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain said, it’s a proud day for the interim government. “This was a big challenge, and we have overcome it through hard work and strong leadership from the Chief Adviser. We’ve been committed to protecting workers’ rights from the start.” Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi said this journey wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding. “Our experience at the Geneva Convention was unforgettable, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked on this,” he added. ILO Country Director Max Tuñón congratulated the government and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to helping with implementation. He also encouraged Bangladesh to adopt a labour charter supported by all political parties ahead of the February elections. He promised continued support in implementing the recommendations of the Labour Law Reform Commission. He also suggested adopting a labour charter based on the consensus of the political parties contesting the elections to be held in February. With these latest ratifications, Bangladesh has now ratified all 10 fundamental ILO conventions, becoming the only country in South Asia to do so. This reflects the interim government’s strong commitment to protecting workers and promoting international labour standards.

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier Flyadeal has officially launched its operations in Bangladesh, introducing direct flights between Dhaka and Jeddah at affordable fares. The airline’s inaugural flight departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday at noon, marking its first journey to Jeddah. Flyadeal’s Bangladesh operations were formally inaugurated by Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), in the presence of senior officials from CAAB and Flyadeal’s local partners. US-Bangla starts direct flight from Dhaka to Jeddah A subsidiary of Saudia, Flyadeal is one of the fastest-growing low-cost airlines in the Middle East. Despite being a budget airline, it will offer complimentary meals and baggage allowance for passengers. The introduction of this new route is expected to reduce travel costs and enhance competition in the Bangladesh–Saudi aviation market. Initially, Flyadeal will operate two flights per week from Dhaka. Flight F3-9112 will depart Jeddah at 1:30 a.m. local time for Dhaka, while the return flight F3-9113 will leave Dhaka at 1:00 p.m. for Jeddah.    

New Country Director for the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Bangladesh, Max Tuñón, on Wednesday said their collective efforts will not only provide more decent working conditions for a larger share of the workforce they will also improve the country’s ability to attract investment. He made the remarks after submitting his credentials to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tuñón arrives in Bangladesh at a time when the ILO mandate to promote decent work and social justice is high on the national agenda. “The urgency of the decent work agenda in Bangladesh is evident,” said Tuñón. “With two million young men and women entering the labour market each year, we must work together to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and generates jobs with dignity.” The ILO has been providing support to the Government and social partners as they consider amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, and to ensure the effective implementation of laws and policies.  

Describing Germany as Bangladesh’s biggest trade partner in Europe, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday expressed optimism that newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz would work to boost trade and investment. The German Ambassador paid a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Chief Adviser extended his warmest greetings to the German Ambassador on assuming his duties in Bangladesh and expressed the hope that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany would reach a new height during his stay here. During the meeting, the Ambassador showed support for the interim government and enquired about the preparations for the national election in February 2026. He said that it was encouraging to see that people in Bangladesh were becoming more engaged in the democratic process, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Partnership with Bangladesh can deepen as strategic alignment: Saudi Minister The German Ambassador also praised the government’s reform efforts, especially the July National Charter. “It’s good to see political parties sitting down together and having conversations. The country should continue these reform initiatives after the election.”  The Chief Adviser said the National Consensus Commission did an excellent job by bringing major political parties together to sign the Charter. “It was a historic moment that showed unity and a shared commitment to change. It also helps build trust before the upcoming election. The government is doing everything possible to ensure the February election is peaceful and joyful,” he said.  The Ambassador also spoke about the rising number of Bangladeshi students who want to study in Germany. Bangladesh a key partner in Bay of Bengal, wider Indo-Pacific: EU The Chief Adviser and the Ambassador both welcomed the growing connections between the people of the two countries. They also discussed the situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Germany’s support in this area. Prof Yunus also spoke about the power of young people. “Thanks to technology and social media, today’s youth can speak up, connect with others easily, and spot injustice,” he said. He, however, also warned about the dangers of false information. “Disinformation is one of the biggest challenges we face before the election.” 

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi has said their partnership with Bangladesh, at this moment, can deepen - not as a transactional exchange but as a ‘strategic alignment’ in education, mobility and prosperity. “Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, new sectors are opening, demand is diversifying, and opportunities abound,” he said. In an article titled ‘A New Chapter in Saudi–Bangladesh Labor Cooperation’, the Saudi Minister said Bangladesh, for its part, has committed to ensuring that all workers are medically fit, properly trained, and briefed on Saudi laws, customs and workplace standards before departure. “Together, these steps ensure that migration is safe, well-prepared and mutually beneficial,” said Saudi Minister Al-Rajhi. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has in recent years modernised the mechanisms of recruitment, employment, and mobility. Digital systems now document contracts before travel, reducing ambiguity and risk. Bangladesh a key partner in Bay of Bengal, wider Indo-Pacific: EU The Wage Protection System ensures that salaries are disbursed electronically, full and on time. Dispute-resolution channels have been strengthened with digital access, and occupational safety and health protocols have been elevated through clearer rules, more frequent inspections and seasonal protections for outdoor workers. “Let us work together so that every qualified Bangladeshi professional who comes to Saudi Arabia does so with clarity and confidence – and so that both nations share in the gains of growth, security, and mutual respect,” said Saudi Minister Al-Rajhi. When two nations commit to partnership, they build something more lasting than contracts – they build trust, dignity and common purpose, he said. “With our newly signed bilateral labor agreement, we are ushering in a fresh chapter in labor mobility – one that places safety, fairness, and shared prosperity at its heart,” said the Saudi minister. Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia already share a deep and meaningful bond and generations of Bangladeshi workers have contributed to the development of Saudi Arabia, as well as supporting families in Saudi Arabia and in Bangladesh. Nepalese envoy stresses deeper Bangladesh-Nepal cooperation in key sectors “That legacy is one of shared endeavor. But as times change, so too must the frameworks through which we engage,” said the Saudi minister. This new agreement establishes a modern framework for cooperation – one built on ethical recruitment, stronger protections for workers and clear mechanisms to ensure rights, and responsibilities are upheld by all parties, he said. “At its core, it commits both countries to ensuring recruitment is transparent, fair, and traceable. Every worker must receive a documented offer and contract before departure, issued through authorized digital channels, ensuring ethical recruitment and protecting dignity,” said Al-Rajhi. The agreement clearly prohibits any recruitment agency or employer from charging workers unauthorized fees or deducting costs from their salaries – a critical safeguard that protects workers and ensures accountability on both sides. The same care applies to domestic workers, who will benefit from defined roles, fair terms, and job-readiness preparation before they leave home. “Equally important, it strengthens welfare and access to justice. Both governments have agreed to promote safe working and living conditions, provide 24-hour assistance, and enable efficient resolution of disputes,” said Al-Rajhi. Bangladesh delegation visits Algeria to strengthen cooperation The agreement also guarantees that every worker’s salary will be paid directly into a bank account in their name, reinforcing our commitment to wage protection and financial transparency. “To the government of Bangladesh, to training institutions, to recruitment agencies, to Saudi employers, and to workers themselves – this agreement offers a platform for deeper alignment,” said the Saudi Minister, noting that it is an invitation for curricula to match real demand, for institutions to certify to global benchmarks, and for workers to take pride in credentials that are meaningful across borders. To ensure accountability and progress, a Joint Technical Committee will meet regularly to monitor implementation, review challenges, and recommend improvements. This mechanism ensures that cooperation remains active and adaptive as both economies continue to evolve, said the Saudi minister. “As we implement this agreement, we are not merely filling jobs – we are constructing a skills-first labor corridor. When recruitment is transparent, contracts protected, salaries guaranteed, and safety nonnegotiable, all parties benefit – workers, businesses and nations alike,” he added.    

The European Union (EU) has said Bangladesh is a ‘key partner’ for the European Union in the Bay of Bengal and wider Indo-Pacific. The Council of the European Union (EU) underlined that the EU and the Indo-Pacific face increasingly complex security challenges. The Council of the EU considers that the EU should continue and further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to their joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU will reinforce its role as a reliable actor bringing added value to long-standing relations with all partners in the region. This is especially relevant as the EU has a geographic presence in the Indo-Pacific through its outermost regions and overseas countries and territories. The Council underlined its commitment to a closely coordinated political presence of the EU and Member States in the region. Bangladesh delegation visits Algeria to strengthen cooperation Building on three successful EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora (Paris 2022, Stockholm 2023 and Brussels 2024), the Council said it looks forward to the Fourth EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum, to be convened by the High Representative in Brussels on November 20-21 November, a senior official told UNB. Those EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora constitute a unique platform for strategically interacting with audiences in both regions. They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and the Indo-Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation, including on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience and laying the foundations for an ever-more ambitious partnership. The EU Embassy in Dhaka has shared their latest policy document – newly issued by 27 Member states at the EU Foreign Affairs Council – which underlines how the European Union and Indo-Pacific are inter-linked and working in partnership on green and digital transition, trade and economic security, and security and defence. Bangladesh on track for ‘peaceful, inclusive’ polls: Prof Yunus tells IRI On October 20, the Council of the EU approved conclusions on the implementation of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific stressing that the EU should further intensify its strategic focus, presence, visibility and actions in the Indo-Pacific with the aim of contributing to our joint stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development, underpinned by the promotion of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which was launched in September 2021, continues to provide a sound framework for EU engagement in a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands. Important steps have been taken to implement the strategy in the seven key priority areas, both at the EU and member state level, with a particular focus on three core areas of engagement: security and defence challenges, the green and digital transition, and trade and economic security. The Council also reiterated its serious concerns about the current situation in both Afghanistan and Myanmar, and its unwavering commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two-State solution. EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Fora constitutes a unique platform for strategically interacting with audiences in both regions, according to the EU. They reflect the strong and shared interest of the EU and the Indo-Pacific partners in fostering concrete cooperation, including on a region-to-region basis, enhancing mutual security, prosperity and resilience and laying the foundations for an ever more ambitious partnership.  

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari has emphasised deepening bilateral cooperation in areas, including trade and investment, energy, education, tourism, people-to-people connections, and LDC graduation. He delivered a lecture titled 'Nepal-Bangladesh Relations: Pathways for Enhanced Economic and Educational Cooperation' at Daffodil International University on Tuesday. The lecture focused on Nepal's history and foreign policy, key aspects of Nepal-Bangladesh relations and the importance of regional and sub-regional cooperation under the frameworks of SAARC, BIMSTEC and the BBIN initiative. Nepal keen to import raw jute from Bangladesh: Nepalese Ambassador During a Q&A session, the Ambassador engaged with participants, addressing their questions and concerns. In a separate meeting with the Vice Chancellor and senior leadership of the university, discussions were held on enhancing academic collaboration, including faculty and student exchange programmes between Daffodil International University and academic institutions in Nepal.    

TAKAHASHI Naoki, Minister at the Embassy of Japan, on Tuesday attended an international symposium on disaster management in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) and the Community Initiative Society (CIS). The symposium was part of A-PAD’s programs implemented with the support of the Japanese government. Highlighting disaster management as a key area of cooperation under the Japan-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership, Minister TAKAHASHI praised A-PAD and CIS for their commendable efforts. He expressed hope that the event would provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen networks under the auspices of A-PAD and CIS for disaster risk reduction and humanitarian assistance.