United News of Bangladesh

Drik Picture Library on Monday inaugurated an exhibition in memory of martyred journalists in Gaza, as part of a global solidarity initiative by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and AVAAZ calling for urgent protection of Palestinian journalists. The exhibition, titled “Gaza Holocaust: Killing the Truth Tellers”, opened at DrikPath Bhobon in Panthapath at 10am. It marked the third edition of the series first launched in November 2024, coinciding with the international campaign by RSF and AVAAZ demanding justice and an end to impunity for Israeli crimes against reporters in Gaza. The show paid tribute to 232 journalists killed in the ongoing conflict. Names of the slain journalists, written in white against a red background, were displayed on the boundary grill encircling DrikPath Bhobon.  A striking banner at the entrance read: “Palestinians have taught us what real journalism is. Shame on Western genocide denial media.” Inside, posters demanded the trial of Western media barons and journalists complicit in war crimes before The Hague. Two visiting Palestinian journalists – Montaser Marai of Al Jazeera Media Initiatives and Belal Marzook of Al Jazeera Media Institute – attended the exhibition. They were accompanied by exhibition curator and Drik director ASM Rezaur Rahman, writer and anthropologist Rahnuma Ahmed, and journalist and Drik director Saydia Gulrukh. Israel kills Hamas spokesperson as offensive in Gaza intensifies Speaking on the occasion, Montaser Marai said: “Journalism is not a crime. Those who gave their lives to report the truth must never be forgotten.” Drik and participating organizations reiterated their call for urgent global action to protect press freedom and ensure accountability for crimes committed against journalists in Gaza.

Nicolas Paul Albin Fleury, the newly appointed head of delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Bangladesh on Monday presented his credentials to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the ICRC in areas of humanitarian assistance, disaster management, international humanitarian law, and ongoing support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas and host communities. The Adviser assured the government’s continued cooperation with the ICRC which has been operational in Bangladesh since 2010. He wished Fleury a successful tenure in Bangladesh. Fleury also called on Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and discussed the ICRC’s ongoing and planned activities in Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary, chair of the National IHL Committee of Bangladesh, commended ICRC on its assistance in the work of the Committee. ICRC: Keeping the humanity alive: reflecting on 75 years of Geneva Conventions He also discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing involvement in the Global IHL Initiative of ICRC. Fleury, a Swiss national, has had a distinguished career with the ICRC, serving in Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans, as well as at the ICRC Headquarters in Geneva.

Discussants at a roundtable have underscored that while ASEAN membership may not be immediately feasible, the sectoral dialogue partnership offers Bangladesh a ‘realistic and impactful pathway’ for engagement. The panelists and participants agreed that the future of Bangladesh-ASEAN relations must be guided by mutual trust, practical cooperation and people-centered initiatives. Moderating the discussion, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Major General (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman observed that Bangladesh should prioritise cooperation with ASEAN in areas such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and AI governance—emerging issues that will define the future of regional cooperation. The BIPSS hosted the session on ‘Bangladesh–ASEAN Relations: Towards a New Partnership’ at a city hotel on Sunday. Former Foreign Affairs Adviser and Distinguished Fellow at BIPSS Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Chargé d’Affaires at Singapore High Commission in Dhaka Mitchel Lee and Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS and Head of BCTR Shafqat Munir joined as panelists. The event brought together diplomats, academics, experts and development practitioners to explore pathways for strengthening Bangladesh’s engagement with ASEAN. Dr Iftekhar cautioned that ASEAN membership may remain elusive in the near future due to economic disparities and political complexities. He acknowledged two fundamental constraints to full membership: geography and identity. “ASEAN remains, by definition, a Southeast Asian grouping with its own socio-cultural and geographic coherence, and Bangladesh falls outside these parameters.” Bangladesh’s Strategic Future Dr Iftekhar provided a conceptual framework on the evolving international system and stressed the importance of external linkages like ASEAN for Bangladesh’s strategic future. “These include strengthening its Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, pursuing bilateral free trade agreements with key ASEAN members, and undertaking robust domestic reforms to enhance competitiveness,” he said. Dr Iftekhar said Bangladesh’s external engagement with ASEAN should be understood not only as an economic imperative but also as a strategic necessity dictated by the realities of the evolving global order.  Closer Engagement Mitchel Lee highlighted ASEAN’s growing role as a hub of economic integration, connectivity, and regional stability, noting initiatives such as the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the ASEAN Power Grid and upgraded free trade agreements with major partners. He emphasised that Bangladesh could benefit from closer engagement in economic, digital and energy cooperation, while also exploring labor mobility opportunities. The diplomat said ASEAN’s strategic relevance lies in its large, young and rapidly growing consumer base, strong economic growth, and constructive role in promoting peace and regional stability. He said recent developments, including strengthened ASEAN-plus-1 FTAs, the ASEAN Digital Economic Framework, and the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, provide platforms for Bangladesh to secure economic and strategic gains. By leveraging these opportunities, Bangladesh can enhance market access, attract investment, and strengthen its regional linkages without full membership. Muniruzzaman emphasised that the Bangladesh–ASEAN relationship is rooted in cultural proximity and a shared aspiration for peace, prosperity and stability. He noted that as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status, forging closer ties with ASEAN is not just desirable but a strategic necessity for the country’s future trajectory. Muniruzzaman highlighted that the partnership between Bangladesh and ASEAN must be recalibrated in the context of today’s shifting global economic currents, climate challenges, and evolving security dynamics, and should be forged around four core pillars: economic collaboration, enhanced connectivity, energy and climate resilience and strategic cooperation. Strategic and Security Dimension Shafqat Munir underlined the strategic and security dimension of ASEAN–Bangladesh ties and pointed to areas such as counterterrorism, organized crime, maritime security, cyber defense, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping cooperation as key avenues for deeper collaboration. He stressed that Bangladesh’s geographic position as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia makes it a natural partner for ASEAN in ensuring regional stability and connectivity. The discussion also emphasised that Bangladesh, as a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) since 2006, has an important role to play in advancing regional security cooperation. The ARF, which serves as the region’s key platform for political and security dialogue, focuses on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber resilience, non-proliferation and disaster relief. Deeper engagement with ARF would allow Bangladesh to share its experience in border security, preventive diplomacy, and disaster management, and project itself as a constructive and stabilising actor in regional politics. Shafqat Munir proposed that the newly elected government should initiate the ‘Look-East 2.0’ strategy to enhance defense cooperation with ASEAN militaries. At the same time, he stressed the value of closer cooperation with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre). Strengthening collaboration with the AHA Centre could allow Bangladesh to harmonize early-warning systems, enhance cyclone preparedness, coordinate disaster relief logistics, and align humanitarian standards in refugee management, including repatriation readiness for the Rohingya, Shafqat Munir said. He said such collaboration would not only improve regional humanitarian responses but also reinforce ASEAN’s role as a trusted partner in addressing shared human security challenges. The session also featured a Q&A session with participants including diplomats, academics, youth representatives and civil society members. The issues raised ranged from climate finance and resilience—where participants urged stronger Bangladesh–ASEAN collaboration to access global resources and push for more effective regional advocacy—to knowledge-sharing and R&D partnerships, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence, and green innovation. Participants emphasised that climate finance remains a critical challenge for both Bangladesh and ASEAN members, as many countries in the Global South continue to face barriers in accessing funds for adaptation and resilience. The discussions also touched on labor mobility, with a focus on how Bangladesh can expand skilled manpower exports to ASEAN economies while addressing host country sensitivities, as well as on people-to-people ties, emphasizing the importance of youth exchanges, education, tourism and cultural cooperation.  

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong on Sunday said the aviation authorities of Bangladesh and Vietnam are now working very closely to open the official direct flight connecting Hanoi and Dhaka this year. “To my belief, with the establishment of the first direct flight, our partnership will continue flourishing and greatly contribute to the prosperity of both countries,” Ambassador Cuong said while speaking at a reception marking the 80th Vietnamese National Day at a city hotel. Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder spoke at the reception highlighting the growing relations between the two countries. Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, business leaders and civil society members were present. The Ambassador said people-to-people contact between the two countries should further be promoted to deepen and broaden the traditional friendship in the coming days, stressing that Vietnam will always be a good friend of Bangladesh. Stronger Dhaka-Manila ties to contribute to regional peace, growth: Envoy “The government and people of Vietnam always keep in our hearts and greatly value the invaluable support that the government and people of Bangladesh have extended to Vietnam from the past to the present,” he said. Regarding economics and trade, Ambassador Cuong said the two countries are witnessing the upward trend year by year. The bilateral trade volume in recent years always exceeds US$ 1 billion, which is a great signal for the continued cooperation between the two governments and business communities, he said. The envoy said Bangladesh and Vietnam share many things in common in the cause of national building and development that both countries can mutually learn, promote and support each other. Throughout the long history with ups and downs, he said, their good sentiment has remained unchanged. Over 52 years of traditional friendship, the two countries have been closely cooperating in multiple areas and became good partners, said the Ambassador, noting that the delegation exchanges between Vietnam and Bangladesh are frequently held every year. Both countries have close cooperation and extend mutual support in favor of each country’s candidature at international forums, Cuong said. Bangladesh, Mexico eye collaboration in defense, air services, renewable energy, technology The envoy said the Embassy of Vietnam in Bangladesh and he will continue doing the needful to cooperate with all Bangladeshi partners and become the bridge connecting the two countries’ people. Exactly 80 years ago, in the autumn of 1945, from the very heart of Vietnam - the capital of Hanoi, a blazing epic was born. It awakened the dream of independence and freedom in millions of hearts. Over the past 80 years, the Ambassador said, under the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with the valuable support from all the countries and friends around the world, the Vietnamese people have tirelessly strived to defend independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and the freedom and happiness of people. To date, Vietnam has established official diplomatic relations with 194 nations and set up partnership frameworks with 38 leading partners, including neighboring countries, powerful nations and traditional friends. Vietnam also actively participates in regional and international organizations and forums, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asian Economic Cooperation Asia-Pacific (APEC), World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations and promotes a proactive role in all activities at multilateral institutions. On behalf of the government of Vietnam, the Ambassador expressed his heartfelt thanks to international friends from all the countries and international organisations, who joined the event and have always stood shoulder to shoulder with them in the past war for national independence as well as in the cause of building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam today.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines in Bangladesh Nina P Cainglet on Sunday said an enhanced bilateral engagement between the two countries would contribute to regional peace, prosperity and sustainable growth. She emphasised shared values, development priorities and the potential for greater collaboration in sectors such as energy, agriculture and education. The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the country lecture titled ‘Beyond Bilateral Ties: Unlocking New Avenues in Bangladesh-Philippines Cooperation’ at the BIISS auditorium in the city with the Ambassador delivering the keynote address as the distinguished guest speaker. Prof Dr Delwar Hossain of the Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, highlighted the historical relations between Bangladesh and the Philippines and stressed the need to explore new dimensions of cooperation, including trade, investment, people-to-people linkages and maritime collaboration. He underscored the importance of strengthening diplomatic and economic ties in the changing geopolitical context of the Indo-Pacific region. The lecture was followed by an open discussion session, where participants, including senior government officials, diplomats, academics, media representatives, researchers, and students, shared their insights and suggestions on deepening Bangladesh-Philippines relations. Director General of BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address while the session was moderated by former acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique.

The international medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors Without Borders, has appointed Parthesarathy Rajendran as its new Executive Director in South Asia. Rajendran is a humanitarian professional and global health expert with nearly two decades of experience across crisis and development contexts. He holds degrees in Economics, Anthropology, and a Masters in International Health from Heidelberg University (Germany).     "Thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director at MSF South Asia at this pivotal moment—leading the development of a new Strategic Plan and the creation of an Operational Directorate in Asia. A unique opportunity to drive impact, strengthen humanitarian response, and shape MSF’s future in the region. Ready for the challenge!", said Parthesarathy Rajendran. Some priority issues that Rajendran will lead MSF South Asia section on are climate health, response to emergencies, antimicrobial resistance research, women health, health of displaced populations; as well as elevating tropical medical education, and speaking out about some of the most pressing crises that are witnessed by MSF teams around the world. Hailing from Pondicherry, India, Rajendran also held the position of Senior Researcher at the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, where Sarathi designed capacity-strengthening programs and supports public health institutions in developing academic curricula. Parthesarathy Rajendran began his career with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2005, responding to the Indian Ocean Tsunami as a mental health project coordinator in southern India. Over 15 years with MSF, he held diverse leadership roles—including Head of Mission and Project Coordinator—in countries such as South Sudan, Malawi, South Africa, Ethiopia, Somalia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nauru. After leaving MSF in 2017, he worked with other INGOs, including People in Need and Solidarités International. As of 2021, Sarathy became a member of MSF International’s Board serving briefly as International Vice President (2024–2025).  

A delegation from South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) on Saturday met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and discussed the ongoing democratic transition and human rights situation in Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region. The delegation included Roshmi Goswami, Co-Chairperson of SAHR; human rights activist Saroop Ijaz (Pakistan), Deekshya Illangasinghe, Anushaya Collure (Sri Lanka), and Sayeed Ahmed (Bangladesh). Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid were also present at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus emphasised the crucial role of youth in shaping the country’s future. “Since assuming office, we have made it a priority to increase youth participation at all levels," he said, adding,"Young people were given representation in reform commissions, and we ensured their involvement in policy-making and across all areas of governance. These young individuals, who were once in denial and suffered as a result, are now leading the country in the post-uprising era."

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has reflected on the enduring friendship with Mexico, pointing to future opportunities for collaboration in defense, agriculture, air services, renewable energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and disaster management. He highlighted the cultural and societal affinities that bind the two nations and emphasised how the bilateral partnership has matured with purpose over the past five decades, expanding across trade, culture, and education. The Ambassador underscored both countries’ shared commitment to championing the Global South, advancing climate action, and addressing development challenges. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico City hosted a diplomatic reception and photo exhibition titled “Breaking the Silence” at historic Museum of Muralism in Mexico City on August 28 to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Mexico. The exhibition will remain open until December 2025, said the Embassy in a media release on Friday. Director General of Mexican Foreign Ministry Fernando González Saiffe; Director General of Education, Policy and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education, Graciela Báez Ricárdez; and Director of the Museum of Muralism, Gloria Falcón joined the event. Ambassadors and diplomats from Australia, the United States, Russia, China,  Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Cuba, Portugal, Honduras, Costa Rica, Kazakhastan Ireland, Indonesia and other countries, government officials, academics, members of the visiting Bangladesh National Defence College delegation, and the Bangladeshi community in Mexico also attended the celebration. Fernando González Saiffe emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral ties. Praising the photo exhibition for deepening cultural understanding, he expressed hope to see a reciprocal exhibition of Mexican art in Bangladesh in the near future. Envoy Mushfiqul drives product promotion in Mexico Graciela Báez Ricárdez highlighted the many similarities between Bangladesh and Mexico, underscoring the vital role of education and culture in driving inclusive development. She commended the exhibition for showcasing Bangladesh’s cultural heritage in Mexico. Dr Shahidul Alam noted how Mexican audiences—from renowned artists to ordinary citizens—have warmly embraced his work, reflecting the openness and vibrancy of Mexican culture. He recalled visits by leading Mexican artists Pedro Meyer and Graciela Iturbide to Bangladesh, highlighting the rich artistic exchanges between the two nations. These connections, he emphasized, show that despite distance and language, Bangladesh and Mexico share deep cultural affinities grounded in creativity, solidarity, and a common human spirit. The evening paid tribute to the powerful work of Dr Shahidul Alam, whose exhibition “Breaking the silence” embodies the spirit of truth and justice. Ambassador Mushfiq and Dr. Alam personally guided the guests through the exhibition, offering insights into the stories behind the photographs.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Friday laid emphasis on building the country and institutions with an improved education system and improving the prospects of the young generation, stressing that the political culture has to change. He said it is natural that the political parties would like to go to the power but there should be efforts towards building the country and its institutions. "Politics is still in the hands of our generation of politicians," Hossain said, adding that the young generation will gain experience in the next 10 to 15 years and will be able to make basic changes. "I am absolutely confident that the young generation will make basic changes in the system," he said while speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day "Bengal Delta Conference 2025" organised by Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (daira). "They (youths) may make mistakes along the way, but with time and experience, they will build a stronger and fairer political culture," Hossain said. Highlighting the importance of gaining knowledge and skills, Hossain said, "We need to learn. If you have proper knowledge, skills and training, sky is the limit (in terms of opportunities) - across the world and within the country." He said the most important thing for a country like Bangladesh with huge population but limited resources is education. The adviser said a very small portion of the population receives quality education while the education system in rural areas is in a terrible shape. "This is one area we need to do a lot. We must do something for the higher education, too," he said as he emphasised the need to redefine political culture. Adviser Hossain also reflected on the July-August movement and remembered those sacrificed their lives for a change. Young generation wants to establish a merit-based and professional bureaucracy: Adviser Nahid  Dr. Mushtaq H. Khan, Professor of Economics, SOAS University of London delivered welcome remarks at the session. Prof. Dr. Maszlee Bin Malik, Chairman, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Advisory Board Member, Bengal Delta Conference 2025; Vice Chancellor,University of Dhaka, Dr. Dipak Gyawali, former Minister of Water Resources, Nepal and Mahfuz Anam, Editor and publisher, The Daily Star among others spoke. The adviser highlighted the significance of the July Uprising in Bangladesh's political history, saying that the youth of Bangladesh will not allow the country to return to the political reality of pre-2024. He also addressed issues such as the Ukraine war, the genocide in Gaza, the Israel-US-Iran relations, and the global context of US tariffs. Professor Dr. Maszlee bin Malik, former education minister of Malaysia, said Bangladesh could become a beacon of hope for the Global South. He praised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for his leadership. He emphasised the need for Bangladesh to shift from a labor-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and discussed the potential for Bangladesh’s ocean-centered economy. He also highlighted the positive prospects for Bangladesh's future relationship with the ASEAN regional cooperation organization, saying, “Bangladesh will find ASEAN by its side in resolving the Rohingya crisis.” Dipak Gyawali, former Minister of Water Resources of Nepal, spoke about the significance of Bangladesh’s people’s uprising, saying, “The people’s uprising in Bangladesh is not only a milestone for the delta but for the entire South Asian region.” He stressed that alongside democracy, good governance is also crucial for the state. Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, vice chancellor of the University of Dhaka, also commented that the delta has not received adequate academic attention, making daira’s initiative highly significant. Siddharth Varadarajan, founder and editor of the India-based online media The Wire said the path Bangladesh is currently on has global implications. However, the country’s biggest weakness is economic inequality.” Mahfuz Anam, reflecting on the political trajectory of the country, said, “Bangladesh’s biggest problem is that politicians use democracy as a ladder to enter parliament. Prof Mushtaq Khan, reflecting on the hardships faced by students under the previous fascist regime and their subsequent activism post-uprising, welcomed daira’s initiative. Reinforce tobacco laws to save young generation: Speakers He discussed Bangladesh’s politics and geopolitics, stating, "Politics must be open. We must rethink the sources of political party funding." He emphasised that the uprising has made it clear to politicians that returning to the old political settlement is impossible, as the people will no longer accept it. This year's conference theme was "Bangladesh at Crossroads: Rethinking Politics, Economics, and Geopolitical Strategy." The opening session of the conference began with the national anthem and a minute of silence to remember the martyrs of the July Uprising. The session was chaired by Shehrin Amin Bhuiya, assistant professor of Public Administration at the University of Dhaka. A documentary on the July Uprising and the broader socio-political context of Bangladesh was presented on behalf of daira during this time. Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (daira) is a Dhaka-based think tank dedicated to the production and advancement of knowledge about the Bengal Delta. The institute focuses on understanding the socio-political, economic, and cultural dynamics of Bangladesh in both regional and global contexts.

A delegation from the Nepal Foreign Trade Association (NFTA), led by President Shiv Kumar Agarwal and Secretary General Jayant Kumar Agrawal, met with Ambassador Md. Shafiqur Rahman at the Bangladesh Embassy on Thursday afternoon. The delegation briefed the Ambassador on their initiatives to promote Nepal’s foreign trade, including with Bangladesh.