United News of Bangladesh

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), a platform of former and present lawmakers of Southeast Asian countries, on Wednesday proposed to hold an international conference involving Bangladesh, China and ASEAN countries to resolve the Rohingya issues. The APHR made the proposal when a delegation from the advocacy group called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. "Two things should be done on a priority basis. One is an ASEAN-led effort to raise funds for Rohingyas. The other is a high-level ASEAN-Bangladesh-China political summit to resolve the Rohingya issues,” said Charles Santiago, a former member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia, and Co-Chairperson of APHR. Seeking ASEAN co-operation to resolve the Rohingya crisis, the chief adviser reiterated his call for Bangladesh to be included as a member of the regional body. “We want to be a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN. This is one thing we keep repeating. Since we are not part of ASEAN, we cannot bring the issue to ASEAN. It is important for us because the issue needs to be addressed,” said the chief adviser. Read: Rohingyas in dire conditions amid drastic food assistance cut: Laurence The chief adviser also urged APHR to form an ASEAN parliamentary group and Bangladesh to join it as an invitee. “It is also important for us because the issue has become a burden for us,” he said. “Create a platform of ASEAN which does not exist now. ASEAN should tell the rest of the world about the crisis we are facing,” he added. Charles Santiago said ASEAN parliamentarians visited Rohingya camps in 2018 and have since been following it. “We are always trying to flag the Rohingya issue as an ASEAN issue. But I must confess, for the last two-three years we had been quiet because we were focusing on restoring democracy in Myanmar,” he said. Read more: UN member states urged to pursue accountability for Rohingya genocide Wong Chen, member of the House of Representatives, Malaysia, and Raoul Manuel, former member of the Congress, Philippines; and Chonlathan Supphaiboonlerd, the Program Director of APHR, were among others present on the occasion.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said required financing and technological assistance for adaptation are still far from adequate. “As a deltaic and lower riparian country, Bangladesh is among the most climate-vulnerable nations. Our people are showing resilience and courage in the face of repeated disasters, but our capacity is being stretched due to insufficient mitigation efforts and inadequate international support,” she said. The Adviser made the remarks while speaking at an event titled “Biophilia: Reconnecting People, Climate, and Culture” hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland on Tuesday as part of its commitment to action against the climate crisis. Biophilia showcased how community-led initiatives are best placed to address the impact of climate change on left behind communities, said the Embassy. The day-long festival was also an opportunity to promote the Swiss supported Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) programme. CALL is in partnership with nine Swiss NGOs- CBM: Christian Blind Mission, Enfants du Monde, GAIN: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, HEKS/EPER, Helvetas Bangladesh, Solidar Suisse, Swisscontact, Swiss Red Cross and Terre des Hommes - and 18 local organisations. The event brought together representatives of the government, bilateral and multilateral development partners, policymakers, private sector, local leaders, children, youth, artists, innovators, and citizens to celebrate community-led climate action and the power of culture. As host of the event, Chargée d'Affaires of the Embassy of Switzerland Corinne Henchoz Pignani stressed that “the answers to the climate crisis lie not only in high-level negotiations, but in the lived realities of people — the farmers, the fisherfolk, the women and youth who are already adapting, already innovating, already leading.” Global action needed to tackle marine threats: Adviser Rizwana Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Valantine Achancho, also spoke at the event. The Santal community, Baul artists, and urban performers performed at a climate change event, "Sounds of the Soil." The day focused on reconnecting climate, culture, and community through visual storytelling sessions, climate communication, and local climate solutions. The afternoon showcased innovation and creativity, with initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and early warning systems. The event also featured a sustainable fashion showcase. In addition to the main stage, Biophilia Beyond the Stage offered immersive experiences, such as nature photography exhibitions and participatory art. The evening cultural program featured a play on the climate crisis and a musical performance by Joler Gaan. Shipping Adviser Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain attended the closing session and oath taking ceremony, "Friends of Climate," as the chief guest. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzlul Kabir Khan attended as the chief reciter of the climate oath. Sakhawat Hussain emphasized Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. He called for the use of alternative fuels and eco-friendly technologies to reduce climate impact. He also stressed the vital role of young people and NGOs in finding local climate solutions. Fouzlul Kabir Khan, read out the climate oath. In his remarks, the Honorable adviser called for action to prevent climate change and environmental degradation. Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller also attended and spoke at the closing session. Global unity, solidarity essential in tackling climate crisis: Rizwana Senior representatives from development partners and UN agencies were also present. Attendees took an oath of climate commitment and pledged to strengthen local leadership.

The 7th World Fair & Fest 2026 is set to take place on October 24–25 at the Tampa Convention Center, Florida, USA, bringing together global leaders in business, culture, innovation, and youth entrepreneurship.  Association of World Fair And Fest USA Inc, organizer of the event, held a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Wednesday  highlighting the fair’s significance for Bangladesh and its participation in the upcoming global gathering, according to a press release.  Organizers said the two-day mega event will serve as an international platform for diplomats, government representatives, business leaders, investors, cultural organizations, tourism professionals, and young entrepreneurs from around the world. Key features of the 7th World Fair & Fest included Global Trade Show & Exhibitions, International Business Summit & B2B Networking, Youth Summit for future leaders and young entrepreneurs, International Cultural Performances, Food Festival & Culinary Showcase and Art & Craft Exhibitions. FBCCI delegation to attend 5th World Fair & Fest Tampa Bay 2025 in US Speakers at the press conference emphasized that the festival will open new avenues for Bangladeshi businesses, cultural groups, and youth to showcase their strengths globally.  They said entrepreneurs will be able to explore international markets, artists will have the opportunity to present Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage, and young leaders will gain valuable exposure through international networking.

Police have arrested eight people in connection with the clashes between students and locals over the harassment of a female student on Sunday. The arrestees were Imran Hossain alias Emran Hossain, 35, Hasan, 22, Russel alias Black Russell, 30, Md Alamgir, 35, Md Nazrul Islam, 30, Md Zahed, 30, Md Arman, 24, Didarul Alam, 46, all residents of Fatehpur union. Kazi Mohamamd Tarek Aziz, additional superintendent of police (Hathazari circle), said police arrested them on Tuesday from different parts of the union. Read: Tensions persist at CU; case filed against over 1,000 A case was filed against 98 identified and over 1,000 unidentified people on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Section 144, imposed by the local administration after the clashes, remains in place. At least 50 people, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Kamal Uddin and Proctor Tanvir Mohammad Hayder Arif, were injured in the clashes.

Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, who served as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices in Geneva, is going to be Bangladesh’s next Ambassador to the United States. The post of Bangladesh Ambassador to Washington DC has remained vacant for months since Ambassador Asad Alam Siam was appointed Foreign Secretary. A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB on Wednesday that Ambassador Tareq has moved out of Geneva to Washington DC. Tareq served as Bangladesh envoy to Sri Lanka before his appointment as Bangladesh envoy to the UN offices in Geneva in June 2024, succeeding Ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman in this capacity. Ambassador Tareq, a career diplomat belonging to the 17th batch of the BCS (Foreign Affairs) Cadre, joined the service in 1998. Prior to taking up the current position in November 2020, he was serving as the Deputy Permanent Representative in the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. As for his other assignments abroad, he had another stint (from 2005 to 2009) in the New York Permanent Mission as First Secretary initially, and at the later part as Counsellor. He then served in the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, India (2009-2012) as Counsellor as well. At the headquarters, he served as Director General (South Asia Wing) and before that in various other capacities, including Director (South Asia Wing), Director (Foreign Minister’s Office) as well as in the Personnel Wing and the Foreign Secretary’s Office. Ambassador Tareq obtained a Master of Diplomacy and Trade degree from the Monash University, Australia and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

Eds: Updates with more info The Trump administration has finally named its nominee for US ambassador to Bangladesh, choosing a seasoned career diplomat to fill the top post at its Dhaka mission. Brent Christensen, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, has been nominated to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, according to an announcement on the White House's official website dated September 2, 2025. Christensen's name was unveiled in a slew of appointments and nominations, that included the nomination of the current State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, as ambassador to the United Nations, and Sergey Gor as ambassador to India. All three nominations are subject to approval by the Senate. Christensen has previous experience in Bangladesh, having served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy here from 2019-2021, according to his official profile on the State Department’s website. Early on in his career, he also served as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Office of Pakistan and Bangladesh Affairs, which no longer exists under that name, at the State Department. His other appointments include Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the Department of State (2016-2019), and as a Pearson Fellow on detail to the majority staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific (2015-2016). He has also been Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs Cyber Coordinator, Deputy Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Manila, Deputy Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in San Salvador, Economic Officer at the US Embassy in Riyadh, and Vice Consul at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The US Embassy in Dhaka has been running without an ambassador since Peter Haas wrapped up his eventful tenure in the summer of 2024. Since then, a series of charge de affaires or CDAs have filled the role, with Tracey Ann Jacobson, the current CDA, having been in the position since January.  

Dr Zokey Ahad, non-resident Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Union  of Comoros, presented his credentials to Azali nAssoumani, the President of the Union of Comoros at a ceremony at the State House, Moroni on Tuesday. Dr Ahad replaces Rezina Ahmed who was accredited since 27th of February 2020. Following the presentation of credentials, the President congratulated and warmly welcomed Zokey Ahad while accepting the letter of Credence as the non-resident Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Union of Comoros. The President wished the High Commissioner all the success during his tenure onwards and conveyed his good wishes to the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh. The President said Comoros always values the existing relations between two countries - Bangladesh and Comoros. In reply, the Ambassador Zokey Ahad conveyed the warm greetings of the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the President of the Union of Comoros. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Comoros  for extending warm welcome and cordial cooperation since his arrival in Comoros.   He assured his best effort in strengthening the existing friendly relations between the two brotherly countries and promoting bilateral relations and cooperation to a new level. The High Commissioner informed the President about the socio-economic developments taking place in Bangladesh and briefed him about the commendable achievements in RMG, pharmaceuticals, jute, leather, agriculture and other industrial sectors of Bangladesh. He requested the government of Comoros to recruit skilled manpower from Bangladesh in their light engineering/industries, medical (doctors & nurses) and agricultural sectors. He also proposed a few MoUs/agreements on education exchange programmes, recruiting skilled manpower and sharing experience of agricultural sectors. Both also expressed their hopes that the two governments will explore new avenues of cooperation for the mutual benefit of their countries in the days to come. During the ceremony,  they discussed several constructive bilateral issues. They both agreed to work together in the future for developing trade, business and investment as well as climate change issue.   High Commissioner Zokey Ahad presents credentials to president of Mauritius President AZALI Assoumani acknowledged that the development of Bangladesh is remarkable; at the same time, he anticipated that Comoros may attain their target by sharing the experience of Bangladesh, especially the climate change issue, for achieving SDGs, said a media release. Dr Ahad extended an invitation from the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to the President of the Union of Comoros to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. During the ceremony, Ministers of the Union of Comoros, Senior officers from the State House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Comoros were present. Md. Jahangir Alam, First Secretary (Political) & HOC also attended the ceremony followed by guard of honour. Dr. Ahad joined the Bangladesh Mission in Port Louis, Mauritius on 09 June 2024. On the same day, Zokey Ahad paid a courtesy call on Oumouri Mmadi Hassani, Acting Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Intrtnational Cooperation of the Union of Comoros. They discussed the whole gamut of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Comoros.  

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has recommended that States Members of the United Nations maintain ‘specific political focus’ and attention on the human rights crisis in Myanmar, with particular emphasis on the situation of the Rohingya and other minorities, reflecting their voices in international policy responses. In a new report published on Tuesday, the State members urged to refrain from the transfer or authorisation of the transfer of arms, jet fuel, surveillance equipment or technologies and dual-use items that risk contributing to violations of international humanitarian law or violations and abuses of international human rights law. The report published by the UN Human Rights Office said the worsening crisis in Myanmar, particularly Rakhine State, provides a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the military in 2017, pointing to increased killings, torture, razing of villages and mass forced displacement. Between the 2021 military coup and 20 August 2025, credible sources have verified the killing of some 7,100 people by the military, of whom about a third were women and children. At least 29,560 people have been arrested on political grounds and over 22,000 remain in detention without respect for fair trial and judicial guarantees in military-controlled courts. Since the escalation of hostilities in Rakhine, hundreds of thousands more people have been displaced, the report says. The United Nations estimates some 150,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since November 2023, joining over 1.3 million already taking refuge here. “Civilians from both Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine communities continue to suffer the consequences of the hostilities, with widespread and systematic patterns of indiscriminate attacks by the military against civilians and protected objects, forced displacement, forced recruitment, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, arson and property destruction, denial of humanitarian assistance, and repeated atrocities aimed at terrorising them,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk.  He said the military and the Arakan Army have acted with near complete impunity enabling the recurrence of violations in an endless cycle of suffering for the civilian population. “Videos and pictures show death, destruction and desperation, distressingly similar to images that we already saw during the 2017 atrocities committed by the military against the Rohingya. It pains me deeply to see the same happening again.” While in April and May 2025, sources reported initial returns of the displaced to certain areas of origin, the majority of Rohingya remained displaced, with estimates indicating at least 80,000 in northern Rakhine State, according to the UN report obtained by UNB. On April 26, 2025, 18 families who had left Bangladesh to return to Maungdaw were arrested upon their arrival in their village by the Arakan Army. As of May 2025, they remained detained in Maungdaw. That and similar accounts have contributed to increased levels of fear among displaced Rohingya and are likely to have deterred other families from returning from Bangladesh. India expelling Rohingyas to Bangladesh, Myanmar without protections: HRW In light of the ongoing violations of international law and the prevailing impunity, the High Commissioner reiterates his previous calls for a full referral of the Myanmar situation to the International Criminal Court by the Security Council. The report, which covers the 14 months up until 31 May 2025, finds that nearly half of all civilian deaths throughout the country -- 838 out of 1,811 – were reportedly the result of direct military aerial attacks. Besides, it identifies two alarming new trends: 26 allegations of the use of chemicals, including fertilizers, attached to explosive devices, in six states and regions; and the use of armed paramotors, low-flying tactical aircraft that are used to drop munitions almost entirely on civilian locations.    The report examines in detail four incidents involving grave violations, including the targeting of civilian’s homes, villages, schools and camps for displaced people. In one of the incidents, on May 12, 2025, an airstrike struck a school killing 24 civilians, including 16 girls, six boys, and two female teachers. According to one witness all four classrooms were destroyed except the roof of the last room. Analysis of pictures and videos received by the UN Human Rights Office corroborated witness accounts.   Sources indicate that the military has regularly targeted public administration sites, including schools, with the effect of instilling fear in the public, the report says. There was already an established pattern of over 640 instances of military attacks against schools since 2021. Despite calls by the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for de-escalation of violence, the attacks on civilians continue in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. The report says that even after declaring a unilateral ceasefire following the earthquake in March 2025, the military reportedly launched over 550 attacks, and killed over 480 people, on top of the nearly 4,000 deaths from the earthquake itself. While not comparable in scale, scope, intensity and brutality with violations committed by the army, the report also raises concerns about abuses perpetrated by anti-military groups. As the Arakan Army has taken control of northern Rakhine, they have carried out killings, forced recruitment, forced displacement, disappearances, arrests, burnings, extortions, looting and occupation of properties, causing hundreds of deaths and suffering, it finds. At the same time, food insecurity continues to rise, linked to the armed conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters. In 2025, an estimated 15.2 million people, nearly a third of the country’s population, were projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity, a sharp increase from 13.3 million in 2024. “It is past time for Myanmar’s people finally to see meaningful action taken to end this wanton violence against them and the immediate provision of humanitarian aid especially for populations that have suffered violence, hunger, displacement for years and were denied humanitarian assistance by the military,” said Türk. “Humanitarian funding is urgently required to meet these needs, and I implore Member States to act to hold the parties to their obligations to allow help to reach those in need, and to support international efforts to hold those responsible for violations of international law to account.”

Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Song Yang on Tuesday said China will continue to support Bangladesh’s economic and social development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods through concrete actions. Speaking at a launching ceremony, he laid emphasis on working together with UNDP and other partners to build a fairer and more inclusive world; a world where poverty becomes a thing of the past. Chinese Ambassador discusses cooperation in sports with BFF President The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) launched the Livelihoods Support for Urban Poor Communities in Bangladesh (LSUPCB) project in Dhaka. The initiative, funded through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF) under CIDCA’s leadership, aims to strengthen urban livelihoods through skills development, nutrition support, and small-scale critical infrastructure, empowering marginalised households across Dhaka North, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Chandpur, in line with national strategies for inclusive urban development, UNDP said. Secretary, Local Government Division Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi called the launch timely, noting that Bangladesh contributes less than 0.35% of global emissions yet ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries. He said the project is a crucial step to strengthen the livelihoods of our urban poor, uphold their dignity, and build resilience against climate change. Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Liller emphasised the project’s transformative potential. “For over two decades, UNDP has supported large-scale urban resilience and livelihoods programmes tailored to the needs of vulnerable urban communities. Building on these successes, today marks a new chapter. With the support of CIDCA, this programme strengthens South-South cooperation and reinforces shared priorities under the 2030 Agenda,” he said. Dhaka, Hanoi eye direct flight this year: Vietnamese Ambassador Earlier, Anowarul Haq, assistant resident representative, UNDP Bangladesh, gave an overview of the project’s objectives, followed by a keynote presentation of the project framework and strategies by Yugesh Pradhanang, Project Manager, UNDP. The session highlighted plans for skills training, nutritional support, and inclusive livelihood opportunities to address challenges faced by urban poor communities, particularly women and children.  This new project will contribute to UNDP’s broader urban portfolio and directly benefit 100,000 low-income community members through targeted support. It will also strengthen institutional capacity for more inclusive and sustainable city governance, helping to ensure that no one is left behind in Bangladesh’s urban transition.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal on Monday. They discussed ways to improve football cooperation between Bangladesh and China and how to train young players better. They also talked about holding a friendly match between the women’s teams of both countries to mark 50 years of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations and the Bangladesh-China year of people-to-people exchanges. BFF Vice Presidents Md. Nasser Shahrear Zahedee and Fahad Mohammed Ahmed Karim were also present.