United News of Bangladesh

Explaining former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a ‘judicial legal process’ and it requires ‘engagement and consultations’ between the two governments. "We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Beyond that, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present. Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge. Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian Foreign Secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government. India wants free, fair and inclusive election in Bangladesh: Misri "We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don't think there is anything else to say with regards to that," said the Foreign Secretary. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home. "There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet," he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Hasina fled Bangladesh to India on August 5 last year in the face of massive student-led protests. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi. He said Hasina's trial has already begun and whether someone comes or not, the trial does not stop. Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary. "However, I do not see any need at the moment." The Foreign Adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former Prime Minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. India bins Bangladesh Home Adviser’s remarks as 'false, baseless' Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. He made the remarks while interacting with the visiting delegation of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi. Senior officials of the MEA, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present. India bins Bangladesh Home Adviser’s remarks as 'false, baseless' During nearly an hour-long interaction, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship.

Bangladesh and the Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the existing excellent bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries. Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Republic of Maldives, presented his Letter of Credence to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives on October 5. Upon his arrival at the Republic Square of the Presidential Palace at 1:00 pm, local time, the High Commissioner was accorded a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). He was received by the Chief and Deputy Chief of Protocol. Following the guard of honour, a vibrant Bodu Beru cultural parade was held in his honour. After the formal ceremonial proceedings, the High Commissioner proceeded to the President’s Office, where he signed the visitors’ book. Bangladesh emerging as vital tourism market for Maldives: High Commissioner The formal presentation of credentials took place at the Ghazi Hall of the President’s Office in the presence of the President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and senior government officials. After receiving the credentials, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu held a brief discussion of about 10–15 minutes with High Commissioner Dr. Nazmul Islam. During the discussion, President Muizzu expressed his sincere appreciation for Bangladesh’s continued support in key areas of mutual interest, including human resource development, higher education, healthcare and economic cooperation. He also emphasised the importance of enhancing people-to-people communications between the two brotherly nations. The President said the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Bangladesh remain excellent and expressed his optimism that the existing ties will be further strengthened and that trade and commercial engagements will continue to expand in the days ahead. High Commissioner Dr. Nazmul Islam thanked the government of the Maldives for employing a large number of Bangladeshi migrant workers who contribute significantly to the economies of both countries. Both sides expressed their willingness to work closely to enhance bilateral trade and business cooperation, noting the recent growth in transshipment through Maldivian ports from Bangladesh. The discussion also touched upon regional and international cooperation. Dr Yunus urges Maldives to regularise undocumented Bangladeshi expats

British Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE has arrived in Dhaka on a five-day official visit aimed at deepening the longstanding trade and investment relationship between the UK and Bangladesh. The Trade Envoy’s mission will reinforce the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s long-term economic reform agenda and boosting two-way trade and investment for mutual prosperity, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday. This visit comes at a critical juncture as Bangladesh prepares for national elections in February 2026 and approaches its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026. During her visit, Baroness Winterton will meet with senior members of the interim government, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Commerce Adviser Sk  Bashir Uddin, Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar and Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi to discuss the Bangladesh-UK partnership on economic reform, trade and investment. She will meet with leaders of major political parties in Bangladesh including Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party to discuss the UK’s commitment as a long-term growth partner. As part of her visit to Dhaka and Chattogram, the Trade Envoy will engage with stakeholders across key sectors including aviation, higher education, renewable energy, and defence. In Chattogram, she will see first-hand how UK-linked investments are creating jobs, strengthening supply chains and driving growth in both Bangladesh and the UK. These visits also underscore the importance of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) — the UK’s trade preference programme. Under the DCTS, Bangladeshi goods will enjoy full duty-free access to the UK market until 2029, supporting Bangladesh’s export competitiveness as it transitions from LDC status. The visit will also include meetings with British International Investment (BII), (the UK’s Development Finance organisation) and its local partners, highlighting the UK’s role in enabling green finance and sustainable infrastructure in Bangladesh. "I am here to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s remarkable development journey and to explore new opportunities for trade and investment that benefit both our nations. I look forward to seeing UK-backed investments on the ground, investments that are creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and delivering real economic value for both Bangladesh and the UK,” she said. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh’s second visit in six months reiterates the UK’s strong commitment to the country’s economic reform and long-term growth. "The UK-Bangladesh trade partnership is going from strength to strength, and we look forward to cementing it even further, for mutual prosperity.” Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE was appointed as the United Kingdom Trade Envoy to Bangladesh in January 2025. She plays a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh. This is her second trip to Bangladesh as the Trade Envoy.    

National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya issue Dr Khalilur Rahman has met senior US officials in Washington and discussed regional political and security issues. Bangladesh's new Ambassador to the US Tareq M Ariful Islam was present at the separate meetings. During his meeting with Allison Hooker, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, she reiterated strong US support for the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the steps by the interim government in regard to the upcoming elections in February. Ambassador Hooker expressed support to Bangladesh's efforts to resolve the Rohingya issue, said a media release shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Dr Khalilur Rahman thanked the US for announcing $60 million in aid to the Rohingya at the UN International Conference on the Rohingya. Bangladesh making significant efforts to eliminate trafficking: US Dr Khalilur Rahman discussed a broad range of bilateral matters during his separate meetings with Nicole Chulick, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Andrew Herrup, Deputy Assistant Secretary. Dr Khalilur Rahman also met with Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and discussed follow-up actions regarding recently concluded tariff negotiations. He reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to reduce the trade gap with the US and requested Lynch to consider further reduction in tariffs as the trade gap becomes narrower. US pledges support for Myanmar, Rohingya Lynch assured full consideration of the matter as the tariff agreement gets implemented and trade gaps get reduced.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed unwavering solidarity with renowned photographer Shahidul Alam and the people of Gaza, saying, “We stand with Shahidul Alam and with Gaza -- now and forever.” In a statement on Saturday night, Prof Yunus said, “We are closely monitoring the status and safety of those participating in the historic flotilla for Gaza, especially world-renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam.” He said Shahidul has approached this mission with the same courage, resolve and unwavering spirit he showed when he endured 107 days in prison in 2018 for speaking out against injustice under the Hasina government. “He stands today as a shining embodiment of the unyielding spirit of Bangladesh,” the CA added. “As I declared before the United Nations General Assembly last month, the indifference to human pain is destroying the progress humanity has built through decades of struggle. Nowhere is this tragedy more visible than in Gaza. Children are dying of hunger. Civilians are being killed without distinction. Entire neighborhoods, including hospitals and schools, are being wiped from the map.”  

Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain met with UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei in Dubai on October 2 to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens in the UAE, simplifying the visa process—particularly for Bangladeshi seafarers—and enhancing collaboration in port development. Minister Al Mazrouei sought Bangladesh’s support for major infrastructure projects by AD Ports and DP World, which are expected to create substantial job opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. The Adviser thanked the UAE government for employing a large number of Bangladeshis and requested further easing of visa procedures for seafarers. The UAE Minister assured that the issue would be addressed promptly in coordination with the relevant authorities. Dr. Hossain also proposed UAE support in providing advanced training for instructors at Bangladesh’s Marine Academy, suggesting a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize the cooperation. Additionally, he sought the UAE’s backing for Bangladesh’s candidacy in Category C of the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 term. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing mutual cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday exchanged congratulatory messages marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In his message, President Xi described China and Bangladesh as traditional friendly neighbors with a long history of exchanges. Over the past five decades, he said, despite changes in global and regional circumstances, the two countries have maintained close ties guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence — setting an example of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation between nations. Xi noted that in recent years, the two sides have strengthened political trust, expanded high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepened collaboration in multiple areas, further enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership. He said he places great importance on China’s relations with Bangladesh and is ready to work with President Shahabuddin to use the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to carry forward the long-standing friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote shared development — to better serve the two peoples and contribute to global peace and prosperity. In his message, President Shahabuddin said that over the past 50 years, Bangladesh and China have built a deep bond founded on mutual respect, trust, and enduring cooperation that has delivered tangible benefits to both nations. He praised China’s role in promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and expressed appreciation for Beijing’s continued support for Bangladesh’s sustainable development. Shahabuddin also expressed confidence that joint efforts from both countries’ leadership and peoples will bring even greater success in future cooperation. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus also exchanged congratulatory messages. Premier Li said China highly values its ties with Bangladesh and looks forward to using the anniversary to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen collaboration in diverse sectors, and advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Chief Adviser Yunus, in his message, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 50 years ago, the friendship between the two peoples has continued to grow stronger, bilateral relations have progressed steadily, and cooperation has yielded fruitful results. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to achieving new milestones in its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

The government of Bangladesh has demonstrated overall increasing efforts to deal with the trafficking in persons compared with the previous reporting period, says the United States (US). The US in its recently released ‘2025 Trafficking in Persons Report’ said the government of Bangladesh does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is ‘making significant efforts’ to do so. “Therefore, Bangladesh remained on Tier 2,” said the report in its Bangladesh chapter, noting that these efforts included increasing training on the victim identification guidelines and trauma-informed are for frontline officials and formally adopting an NRM (national referral mechanism). Prof Yunus at UNGA: Press Secretary outlines 6 key achievements The government decreased overall law enforcement efforts, the report says, adding that the government maintained efforts to prevent trafficking. The government identified more trafficking victims and referred them to protection services. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas. The government investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers and did not take adequate steps to address internal trafficking crimes, including sex trafficking and forced child labor, which remained pervasive. Labor inspectors severely lacked the capacity to adequately monitor informal sectors and hold companies accountable for labor violations. Victim protection and reintegration efforts remained insufficient, particularly for Rohingya refugees and returning Bangladeshi migrant workers. The government continued to permit set recruitment fees that rendered many migrant workers indebted, increasing their vulnerability to trafficking. Prioritised Recommendations The US report recommended increased efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes, including complicit officials and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms. It also calls for strengthening the capacity of Anti-Trafficking Tribunal personnel to prosecute and adjudicate human trafficking cases, and expand tribunals to heavy caseload areas. The report called for increasing the availability and quality of protection and reintegration services for all trafficking victims, including adult male victims, foreign victims, and victims exploited abroad and allow trafficking victims in government-run and -funded shelters freedom of movement. Other recommendations include: consistently enforce regulations and monitor labor recruitment companies, dalals (sub-agents), and brokers who supply labor to recruiting agencies, including by eliminating recruitment fees charged to migrant workers and holding fraudulent labor recruiters criminally accountable. Increase the capacity of labor inspectors to identify trafficking crimes, including monitoring the informal sector, filing cases in labor courts and referring cases for criminal courts investigations. Increase efforts to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, including disseminating and implementing formal victim identification procedures and the NRM to refer victims to appropriate services. Increase law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute credible allegations of trafficking of Rohingya, including cases that do not involve movement, and establish clear procedures for referring Rohingya to protection services. Increase training for officials, including law enforcement, labor inspectors, immigration officers, and health care providers, on a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach and on victim identification and referral to services. Improve quality of pre-departure training for migrant workers, including sessions on labor rights, labour laws, and access to justice and overseas assistance. Cease the inappropriate penalization of adult trafficking victims solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of trafficking. Youth must lead from the front to rebuild Bangladesh: Rashed Khan Implement the 2015 MOU with India to streamline the identification and repatriation of Bangladeshi trafficking victims. Adopt a revised and resourced comprehensive National Action Plan (NAP) that incorporates greater attention to prosecution and protection efforts, including dedicating resources to enhance victim care. Human trafficking is a horrific and devastating crime that also enriches transnational criminal organizations and immoral, anti-American regimes. The 25th edition of the Trafficking in Persons Report pushes countries to take serious action against forced labor and sex trafficking and ensures that those who fail to act face consequences, according to the US Department of State.  

Singapore's Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has said his country looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh as it pursues its next phase of growth and development. "With a young and hardworking population, Bangladesh has immense potential," he said, as he met Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Lutfey Siddiqi. The Minister said Bangladesh is undergoing a new phase of political and economic transformation and is implementing reforms, diversifying its economy, and seeking investments in renewable energy, digital innovation and connectivity. Bangladesh welcomes Singapore’s response to Milestone burn victims He described his meeting with the Special Envoy as "productive". "We spoke about the significant contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Singapore, and explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and port management," said the Singapore Minister.