United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Saturday said Bangladesh enjoys strong backing from member states of the OIC but faces a challenge due to the limited time available to campaign for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “The candidate has been changed following the change in government. One of our key challenges is that Cyprus has been campaigning throughout the year, whereas we have barely three months, or even less in hand,” he told reporters at Dhaka airport explaining the ground behind the change in Bangladesh’s candidature. Dr Khalilur, who returned from Saudi Arabia early Saturday, said discussions were held with Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) partners to assess the situation and strategise ways to secure Bangladesh’s victory.  “We have received their full and unequivocal support,” he said. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh’s friends within the OIC have assured active campaigning in favour of Dhaka’s candidature. He said as anticipated, Palestine withdrew its candidature a few days ago. With Palestine stepping aside, Bangladesh will now contest the 2026–2027 term against Cyprus. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, described the feedback from OIC countries as highly encouraging and strong. “We have received very positive responses. We will conduct a detailed assessment at an appropriate stage, but the support so far has been strong. The visit was both fruitful and productive,” he said. Earlier, the interim government had nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as Bangladesh’s candidate. Following the change in government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Dr Khalilur  Rahman for the position. Bangladesh had initially floated its candidature ahead of Palestine. The election for the President of the 81st session of the UNGA is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York, in accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. Under the established regional rotation system, the President for the 81st session will be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group. The President of the 80th session of the UNGA, Annalena Baerbock, will convene informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986–87, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected President of the 41st General Assembly. Four decades later, the country is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate commencing on September 22. Leaders attending the recent executive meeting of the OIC expressed confidence that Bangladesh will swiftly achieve political stability and accelerated development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They also reiterated their full support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UNGA.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Friday said the government is working to ensure that Bangladeshi citizens can travel to India smoothly and the Indian side has shown a positive response. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on the issue of Indian visas for Bangladeshis. We have held talks with India. They are positive so that visa services can return to normal,” she told reporters at Fulbaria High School ground in Saltha upazila of Faridpur district in the afternoon. Shama Obaed, also a Member of Parliament from Faridpur-2, attended an iftar and doa mahfil organised by BNP and its associate bodies of Ballabhdi, Sonapur and Jadunandi unions. Addressing party leaders and activists, she urged all to maintain law and order in the post-election period across every union of the upazila. “Law and order must be maintained. The peaceful environment must be upheld. Clashes and conflicts in the name of party politics must stop,” she said. Saudi Arabia issues 1.4m visas for Bangladeshis, 750,000 for work She said  involvement in violence only leads to injuries, cases  and attacks which ultimately bring no benefit. “Instead of engaging in clashes, we must focus on development—how to improve education, repair roads and work for the future of our brothers and sisters in Ballabhdi, Jadunandi, Sonapur and across the upazila. For that, we need everyone’s cooperation,” she said.

President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune has congratulated Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. In a goodwill message ,President Tebboune warmly commended Prime Minister Rahman on his election win. He expressed admiration for the Prime Minister's leadership and vision for the nation's future, emphasising the importance of strong and strategic governance. President Tebboune also reiterated Algeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between Algeria and Bangladesh. Dhaka, Delhi can work for each other's security, prosperity: Modi tells Tarique He highlighted the shared goals of both nations in fostering cooperation, with a focus on enhancing mutual collaboration for the benefit of their peoples.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has unequivocally condemned the recent Israeli legislation on land purchase that seeks to unlawfully annex the occupied Palestinian territory. In his address to the open-ended OIC executive committee meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, he said this action is designed to alter the legal and demographic character of the Palestinian lands, including the Al Quds Al Sharif. The Foreign Minister expressed his grave concern over the fact that the Israeli decision to ease land purchase and open land registries in the West Bank to public scrutiny exposes the Palestinian landowners to multiple forms of intimidation and harassment. Dr Khalilur Rahman pointed out that these actions are clearly in breach of relevant international law and undermine the very foundations of a just and lasting social order. The Foreign Minister categorically stated that the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State following the two-State formula under 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, can offer a sustainable solution to this long protracted crisis. He outright rejected the land related legislation of Israel and demanded to ensure the due land rights of the Palestinians. The foreign minister also demanded permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an unconditional and unhindered access of the international aid workers and humanitarian support providers to the affected men, women and children in the Strip. Dr Khalilur Rahman conveyed the Ramadan greetings from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Muslim Ummah and stated that the newly elected democratic Government in Bangladesh looks forward to closely working with the OIC Member States. On the sidelines of the OIC meeting, the Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Foreign Minister of the Gambia, Mr. Sering Modou Njie; Foreign Minister of Palestine, Dr. Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya; and also the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Waleed A. Elkhereiji, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. At the bilateral talks, the dignitaries from the OIC Member States congratulated the people and government of Bangladesh on the successful holding the general elections, felicitated the Prime Minister for the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and expressed their keenness to work with the new Government. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said with the leaders the visions and work programmes of the government particularly with regard to foreign policy, foreign trade and investment, resolution of the Rohingya issue and improving effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat. They also expressed strong support to Bangladesh candidature for the Presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly. Korean FM greets Khalilur Rahman; eyes enhanced ties with Dhaka He invited the dignitaries to visit Bangladesh at their convenience. Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir; Secretary (Inter-Governmental Organisations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, M Forhadul Islam, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, MJH Jabed accompanied the Foreign Minister during the bilateral meetings.

The global leaders, who attended the executive meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have expressed the confidence that Bangladesh will speedily attain political stability and accelerated development under the able leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They expressed full support to Bangladesh's candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Foreign Minister and Bangladesh candidate for the UNGA Presidency Dr Khalilur Rahman,  held bilateral meetings with leaders of a number of key participating delegations on the sidelines of the executive meeting of the OIC on Palestine in Jeddah and discussed issues of common interest, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. They include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, Vice Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhreiji of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Musa Kulaklikaya, Foreign Minister Dr. Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian and Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie of Gambia, who is also the Chair of the Executive Meeting. Palestine has already withdrawn its candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur for the position, said the source. The leaders of the delegations, during meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Rahman, conveyed their heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique on the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and his assumption of the responsibility as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. They also commended Bangladesh for its unwavering commitment to the cause of Palestine. Pak PM Keen To Visit Bangladesh Pakistan's Foreign Minister warmly recalled his meeting with the late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia last year. He said Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif eagerly look forward to visiting Bangladesh to personally great Prime Minister Tarique. Foreign Minister Dar expressed the hope that under the new government in Dhaka the relationship between the two countries will steadily prosper. Turkish Support Appreciated Turkish Minister Kulaklikaya recalled the historical relationship between Turkey and Bangladesh and hoped that the relationship between the two countries will expand steadily in multiple sectors in the coming days. Foreign Minister  Khalilur Rahman expressed sincere thanks to him for the help and support Turkey has been giving to the Rohingya refugees. The two sides resolved to work together to advance an early resolution of the issue. Foreign Minister Rahman handed over to the Turkish Minister an invitation address to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to visit Bangladesh after Ramadan. KSA Keen to Welcome PM The Saudi Minister expressed the hope that Prime Minister Tarique would visit the Kingdom at a convenient time in the near future. He also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Rahman to visit Riyadh. He said the 'Vision 2030' of Saudi Arabia offered many opportunities for Bangladesh in a wide range of sectors. He expressed his government's readiness to work with Bangladesh in this regard. Foreign Minister Khalilur  Rahman pointed out that there are important opportunities for Saudi Arabia to invest in Bangladesh. The two sides resolved to work together to realise these potentials. Minister Elkhereiji also requested Bangladesh's support to undertake major reforms to enhance the performance of the OIC Secretariat. Unwavering Support to Palestinians During the meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister Aghabekian, the Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh's unwavering support to the cause of the Palestinian people. He stressed that the only solution to the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with the pre-1967 border and East Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian Foreign Minister lauded Bangladesh for its strong and consistent support to the Palestinian cause. The Palestinian Minister said that the Arab-Islamic flow will be for Bangladeshi candidature. Rohingya Crisis Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman offered sincere thanks to Foreign Minister Njie of Gambia for his government's continued active support to the cause of the Rohingya people, including the case it brought before the International Court of Justice against Myanmar for committing genocide against the Rohingyas. He said Bangladesh stood ready to support the important work of Gambia for the Rohingyas. Both sides agreed to hold an event on the Rohingya issue during the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad in April this year. Foreign Minister Njie expressed full support to Bangladesh's candidate for the UNGA Presidency and offered to work with other African countries in support of it. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mollah Farhad Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MJH Jabed, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, were present during the meetings.

The first meeting of the Standing Sub-Committee on the President’s Advisory of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) held recently at the BCCCI office in Dhaka. The meeting was held in a cordial and professional atmosphere to undertake a comprehensive review of the Chamber’s ongoing operational activities and to deliberate on the formulation of a structured strategic roadmap for future initiatives, said the Chamber. In addition, detailed discussions were conducted on strengthening internal communication protocols and reinforcing institutional discipline in alignment with the Chamber’s governance framework.

International speakers at a programme in London have stressed that safeguarding linguistic diversity is essential for inclusive development, intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world. Members of the UK Parliament, High Commissioners and Ambassadors from several countries underscored the urgent need to protect and promote linguistic diversity worldwide, describing multilingualism as the cornerstone of cultural identity and global understanding. They made these remarks at a programme organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in London to mark International Mother Language Day 2026. The event was held in a committee room of the House of Commons on February 25. The programme brought together British MPs and Lords including Rupa Huq, Rushanara Ali, Shockat Adam, Mohammad Yasin and Imran Hussain, as well as Lord Rami Ranger, alongside diplomats and senior officials. Among the diplomatic representatives present were, Ambassador of Costa Rica Rafael Ortiz Fábrega, Ambassador of Indonesia Desra Percaya, Ambassador of North Macedonia to the UK Katerina Stavreska and High Commissioner of Ghana Sabah Zita Benson. Senior officials from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK National Commission for UNESCO also attended, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London. The event opened with a saxophone rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, performed by Ambassador Desra Percaya and his colleague Marlon Gabriel. The session was moderated by Baroness Manzila Uddin. In her address, Bangladesh High Commissioner in London Abida Islam reflected on Bangladesh’s pioneering role in securing global acknowledgment for International Mother Language Day. She noted that the country’s Language Movement was instrumental in shaping the international agenda for cultural and linguistic preservation. Aligning her remarks with UNESCO’s theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” the High Commissioner underscored the status of multilingualism in Bangladesh and emphasised the pivotal role of young people in preserving, promoting, and revitalising the nation’s linguistic heritage. Delivering the keynote speech, Professor Zhu Hua, Director of the UCL International Centre for Intercultural Studies, emphasised the right of every learner to be educated in a language they understand. “Mother language learning is a space for intercultural and multilingual imagination for our shared future. Multilingualism is not just about ‘being me’ — it is about imagining ‘us’,” she said. Ambassador Rafael Ortiz Fábrega described the mother tongue as a reflection of identity rather than merely an academic concept. He said Costa Rica is a multilingual nation that has made the preservation and protection of diversity — particularly indigenous languages — a national priority. “Multilingual education strengthens cultural identity, improves learning outcomes and promotes social cohesion,” he said. Ambassador Desra Percaya highlighted Indonesia’s linguistic richness, noting that more than 700 ethnic and local languages are spoken across the country. “Unity in diversity — diversity is an asset. Unity does not mean uniformity,” he said. Ambassador Katerina Stavreska observed that North Macedonia’s modern state is built on tolerance and shared citizenship. “For centuries, multiple languages have coexisted in our country,” she said, noting that alongside Macedonian, communities speak Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Vlach and Romani. “Mother-tongue-based multilingual education is not a luxury. It is a necessity for inclusion, equality of opportunity and sustainable development.” High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson pointed out that around 80 indigenous languages are spoken in Ghana and praised Bangladesh’s initiative that led UNESCO to recognise 21 February as International Mother Language Day. “Multilingualism and multiculturalism are not contradictory to unity. They are a source of strength. Let us ensure that no language and no community is left behind,” she said. Lord Rami Ranger recalled that the Language Movement was at the heart of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. He added that diversity in the United Kingdom is respected and protected by law. “There are countries that systematically discriminate against people. They cannot move forward,” he said. The British MPs present at the event, along with representatives from the FCDO and UNESCO, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that safeguarding linguistic and cultural diversity is essential for strengthening national identity and fostering inclusive, harmonious communities.

Amid Bangladesh’s continued engagement, Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe and Chairman of the United League of Arakan Twan Mrat Naing have congratulated recently appointed Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman which is seen positively by Dhaka. The head of the Arakan Army has sent a congratulatory letter to the Bangladesh Foreign Minister for the first time. A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB that the messages from Myanmar and Arakan Army authorities are an extraordinary event and have come in the wake of continued engagement. “They reflect their confidence in the new Bangladesh government in promoting a peaceful resolution of the Rohingya issue through continued contacts and dialogue," said the official. The Myanmar Foreign Minister expressed firm commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between Dhaka and Naypyidaw and Dhaka. The two separate messages are viewed as indications of readiness of both the Myanmar government, and the Arakan Army and ULA (AA) to work with the newly-formed Bangladesh government to find a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. "In your new capacity as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, I hope you will continue to work with us to find practical, sustainable and realistic solutions. Building on our existing goodwill, we now have an opportunity to chart a new course of friendship between Bangladesh and Arakan,” the source quoted the ULA Chairman Naing as saying in his letter to FM Rahman. The Bangladesh government has been in contact with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis. Referring to engaging with the Arakan Army, the then National Security Adviser and High Representative Dr Rahman on May 6 last year said Bangladesh, as a sovereign state, would maintain communication with whomever it wants taking its own interest into consideration. "We will speak to whoever we want for our own interests. It doesn't matter who said what," he said while responding to a question about the Myanmar military government's opinion on Bangladesh's contact with the Arakan Army. "One thing must be kept in mind. The Arakan Army controls the other side of the Bangladesh border. Bangladesh has to manage, protect, and keep this border peaceful," Rahman said at that time, stressing that they will keep in touch with whoever is on the other side. In August 2017, over 750,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following violent military crackdowns in Myanmar's Rakhine State. They joined previous influxes of Rohingya who fled the country in the 1970s and 90s. Today, more than 1.3 million Rohingyas live in Bangladesh, most of them in Cox's Bazar district, near the border with Myanmar. The strain on the local host community and its already stretched facilities and services has been immense.

Palestine has withdrawn its candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus, a diplomatic source told UNB on Thursday. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman for the position, said the source. Bangladesh floated her candidature ahead of Palestine. The election of the President of the United Nations General Assembly for the eighty first session will be held on June 2 in the General Assembly Hall, UNHQs, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. The President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock will convene the informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986 (1986-87), when the then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected as President of the 41st General Assembly. Forty years later, Bangladesh is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on September 22, 2026. Earlier, the interim government nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as the Bangladesh candidate.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook has said that the United Kingdom (UK) shares a deep and special relationship with Sylhet. “Sylhet’s relationship with the UK is very close because around 90 percent of Bangladeshis living in the UK are from Sylhet. Bangladesh’s ties with the UK are growing stronger day by day, largely due to Sylhet. The contribution of Sylhetis in the UK is remarkable,” she said. The High Commissioner made the remarks at an Iftar Mahfil organised by the British High Commission at a hotel in the city on Wednesday, in honour of representatives from various professions in Sylhet. Wishing everyone a blessed Ramadan, she said the holy month brings a message of moderation and peace every year. She added that such Iftar gatherings create an opportunity for people from all sections of society to come together. During her visit, the High Commissioner paid courtesy calls on the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet. She also held discussions with leaders of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry and British investors working in the region. The meetings focused on issues of mutual interest, including expansion of trade and investment, climate resilience, education and migration. She said Bangladesh and the UK maintain close cooperation in these areas and expressed the UK’s interest in further strengthening bilateral relations.