United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening cooperation based on mutual benefit and highlighted the contribution of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in strengthening bilateral ties. Malaysia conveyed greetings from the government of Malaysia to the newly elected Government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations, including through a prospective visit of the Prime Minister to Malaysia. Both sides discussed expanding trade and investment, cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, halal industry, and semiconductors, as well as enhanced private sector engagement, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The issues were discussed when High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman paid a maiden courtesy call on the State Minister. The State Minister also emphasised skilled manpower mobility and sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, while both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh–Malaysia relations.

The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Dhaka, in cooperation with the Alliance Française de Dhaka, has organised a screening of the documentary “Destination Francophonie: Kosovo -Welcome to the Heart of the Balkans”, produced by TV5MONDE and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo. As part of the Francophonie Festival in Dhaka, the event on Monday brought together members of the diplomatic community, representatives of cultural institutions, academics, students, and friends of the Francophonie. Kosovo holds snap vote to break political deadlock The screening also formed part of Kosovo’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts in Bangladesh, said a media release. In his opening remarks, Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh, thanked François Chambraud, Director of the Alliance Française de Dhaka, and his team for their hospitality and cooperation in promoting cultural dialogue and linguistic diversity. The Ambassador noted the significance of the Francophonie movement in Kosovo and remarked, "Francophonie in Kosovo is not symbolic; it is lived; in classrooms, cultural centres, and through partnerships with institutions such as the French Institute and international networks." Referring to the relations between Kosovo and Bangladesh, the Ambassador said Bangladesh, a country rich in linguistic heritage and proud of its Language Movement, the promotion of language and culture carries special meaning. “Events like this create a space where our two countries, though geographically distant, discover common ground in the appreciation of diversity and cultural expression." The documentary presents Kosovo as a dynamic European country, highlighting the vibrancy of Prishtina, the archaeological heritage of Ulpiana, the cultural life of Prizren and Gjakovë, and the achievements of Kosovo’s Olympic athletes. Following the screening, guests were invited to remain for Iftar snacks in observance of the holy month of Ramadan, providing an opportunity for informal dialogue and cultural exchange. Through initiatives such as this, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo continues to promote Kosovo’s culture and strengthen people-to-people ties between Kosovo and Bangladesh.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Tuesday organised a regional webinar focusing on the growing impacts of climate change on fisheries across South Asia and the need for coordinated adaptation strategies. Titled “Climate Change and Fisheries in South Asia,” the virtual event brought together regional experts and policymakers to discuss emerging risks to marine and freshwater fisheries and explore ways to strengthen climate-resilient fisheries systems. Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to revitalise SAARC process In his welcome remarks, SAC Director Md. Harunur Rashid said climate change is increasingly affecting fisheries and aquatic ecosystems across South Asia, posing new challenges to fish production and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the sector. “Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and changes in water quality are putting additional pressure on fisheries resources,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge sharing and research to build climate-resilient fisheries systems. Among the keynote speakers, BK Das, Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), said climate variability is significantly affecting freshwater fisheries by altering river flows and aquatic habitats. He emphasised the importance of adaptive management practices and sustainable resource use to safeguard inland fisheries in the region. Another speaker, Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor at the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, highlighted the growing vulnerability of marine and coastal fisheries. She said rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting marine ecosystems and fish stocks, underscoring the need for stronger research collaboration and regional knowledge sharing. In his concluding remarks, Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change impacts on fisheries. He noted that fisheries play a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutrition and livelihoods across South Asia and called for enhanced collaboration among SAARC member states to promote sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries management. The webinar was moderated by Md Shariful Islam, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries) at SAC, who highlighted key regional challenges including salinity intrusion in coastal areas, changing hydrological patterns and increasing climate variability. He also emphasised the need for integrated management approaches and coordinated regional action to protect fisheries resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities. The event concluded with an interactive discussion where participants from different SAARC countries shared experiences and perspectives on addressing climate change impacts in the fisheries sector, stressing that climate-smart management and regional cooperation will be essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries in South Asia.

Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey has underlined the leadership role of Bangladesh, the current chair of BIMSTEC. He expressed the keenness of the BIMSTEC Secretariat to work closely with the new government of Bangladesh to strengthen and deepen regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. The BIMSTEC chief hosted an Iftar-dinner on Monday evening, bringing together government leaders, diplomatic corps, media, academia and business communities to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and foster regional peace and harmony. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, who attended the event, lauded BIMSTEC’s role as a vital link between South and Southeast Asia and emphasised the importance of spiritual values in building a more empathetic and integrated regional community.  

India’s flag carrier Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express hosted an Iftar and prayer gathering in Dhaka on Monday, bringing together aviation stakeholders, travel agents and tour operators. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma attended the event held at a hotel in the capital, said a press release on Tuesday. Welcoming the guests, Air India Country Manager Morgan D’Souza highlighted the airline’s engagement with Bangladesh’s travel trade and the importance of strengthening partnerships with local agents and tour operators. Sohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air India in Bangladesh, was also present at the gathering. Representatives from leading travel agencies and tour operator companies joined the event, reflecting the airline’s close cooperation with Bangladesh’s travel industry. Air India currently operates services to 102 domestic and international destinations using a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its partnership with Bangladesh on trade, development and climate priorities following meetings between its Resident Representative and several government ministers on Monday. In posts on his verified social media platform X, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller said he met Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir to discuss their partnership around strengthening cooperation on trade policy, export competitiveness and development priorities as Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. UNDP, IIX join hands to promote gender-inclusive finance in Bangladesh Liller also congratulated Dipen Dewan on his appointment as Minister of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. During the meeting, the two discussed UNDP’s longstanding presence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and reaffirmed cooperation on inclusive development, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and improved access to health and education. The UNDP official also met Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir following his assumption of office as Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives. Their discussion focused on the long-standing collaboration between UNDP and the ministry in areas including poverty reduction, urban resilience, climate adaptation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Liller was accompanied in the discussions by UNDP management and technical teams.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) have explored ways to further strengthen the existing trade and business relationship between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir held a bilateral meeting with Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK Minister of State for Trade in London, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Tuesday. They highlighted the importance of unlocking investment in the blue economy sector of Bangladesh, broadening the 'Made in Bangladesh' brand, safeguarding investor interests, enhancing cooperation in the education sector and the expansion of multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact in the run up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Cameroon later this month. UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE called on Foreign Minister Dr Rahman and Prime Minister's Adviser Kobir at the Bangladesh High Commission in London. They discussed potential cooperation in the aviation sector and action to make Bangladesh a regional aviation hub. The delegation held two separate meetings to advance Bangladesh's aviation sector. Professor Dapo Akande, the UK’s candidate for the position of one of the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term 2027–2036, called on Foreign Minister Dr Rahman and Prime Minister's Adviser Kobir and presented his candidature. UK supports Bangladesh in advancing women's leadership The two sides expressed satisfaction at the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom in various multilateral forums and intergovernmental elections. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening this partnership in international legal and diplomatic arenas in the days ahead.

Bangladesh has said continued loss of lives of innocent Bangladeshi civilians in the Middle East is a matter of grave concern. "The government of Bangladesh is deeply saddened by the death of two Bangladeshis and the injury of other Bangladeshis following an aerial attack in Al-Kharj Governorate in Saudi Arabia yesterday (Sunday)," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The government accords high priority to the safety and welfare of Bangladeshi nationals in the Middle East and is closely monitoring the evolving situation. The two Bangladeshis killed in the above incident are Bacchu Miah of Katiadi, Kishorganj and Mosharraf Hossain of Shakhipur, Tangail. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals. The officials of Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh have visited the injured at the hospitals. They are in close contact with the Saudi authorities regarding bringing back their mortal remains. "Bangladesh strongly condemns all such attacks that result in the loss of innocent lives and calls upon all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint," said the Ministry. Bangladesh urged the international community to take urgent and effective measures to de-escalate the situation and prevent further loss of life.

The government has decided to strengthen cultural diplomacy as an important tool of soft power to enhance people-to-people contacts, promote the Bangladesh brand, and improve the country’s image abroad through cultural exchange programmes and holding cultural festivals overseas. A meeting was held on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss ways to promote Bangladesh’s cultural diplomacy worldwide. The meeting was attended by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam. The Foreign Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and other senior officials from both ministries also participated. This was the first meeting of its kind organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the proactive initiative of the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting discussed organizing various cultural festivals and events, such as music and dance performances, art exhibitions, book fairs, folk music programmes, culinary showcases, and visits to historical and archaeological sites, as practical initiatives to advance cultural diplomacy and contribute to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process. The meeting also reviewed existing and pending Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) between Bangladesh and more than one hundred countries. Decisions were taken to operationalise the existing instruments and expedite the finalization of those that remain pending. Current govt committed to Hasina's extradition: Shama Obaed Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs expressed their commitment to working in close coordination to further promote Bangladesh’s cultural diplomacy across the globe.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the government and people of Nepal on the successful and peaceful parliamentary elections held on March 5. In a post on his official Facebook page on Monday, the prime minister said the elections reflect the aspirations and resilience of the Nepali people and the strength of their democratic institutions. “Congratulations to the Government and the people of Nepal on the successful and peaceful parliamentary elections held on 5 March 2026,” he wrote. He described the polls as an important democratic exercise that demonstrated the people’s commitment to democracy. Tarique Rahman also said Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with the new government and the people of Nepal to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.