United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is likely to pay an official visit to Indonesia in August as both sides eye an enhanced trade, investment and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Southeast Asia’s largest nation. Officials from both sides are working on finding specific dates convenient to both sides, a diplomatic source told UNB on Monday, adding that Jakarta is eager to deepen its engagement with Dhaka. Cooperation in the areas of power and energy sector between Bangladesh and Indonesia is going to be one of the focus areas during the visit, once finalised, according to officials. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already sought inputs from the relevant ministry on cooperation in the areas of power and sector with Indonesia. The Chief Adviser will have a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during the planned visit in addition to his other engagements. Indonesian Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, who visited Bangladesh earlier this month, described Bangladesh as their ‘strategic’ and an ‘important trade partner’ in the South Asia region. Prof Yunus in London, begins four-day official visit He expressed his country’s readiness to explore mutually beneficial sectors for future investments in Bangladesh and discussed the possibility of greater cooperation in the fields of power generation, energy storage and energy infrastructure development in Bangladesh. During his meeting with Nasir on June 2, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who visited Indonesia several times before assuming office, expressed regret that Dhaka and Jakarta had not forged a closer relationship despite their shared religious, historical and cultural backgrounds. “We must become the closest of friends,” said the Chief Adviser, emphasising the importance of more people-to-people exchanges, including cultural and educational tours. “We are ready to go to great lengths to build a stronger relationship with Indonesia,” he added. Prof Yunus leaves for UK on four-day official visit

Bangladesh High Commissioner to New Delhi M Riaz Hamidullah met Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee at her office on Monday and discussed issues of mutual interest. “It’s a courtesy meeting,” a senior official at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata told UNB, without elaborating further. The West Bengal Chief Minister expressed her strong hope of strengthening the traditional relations between the people of West Bengal and the people of Bangladesh. The Chief Minister requested the High Commissioner to convey her greetings to Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the people of Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. This was the first courtesy call by the newly appointed High Commissioner of Bangladesh to any Indian Chief Minister. During the meeting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mentioned that the traditional linguistic, cultural and the ties between the people of West Bengal and Bangladesh based on common values, go beyond economic and commercial ties. She expressed her determination to continue her engagement with Bangladesh in the future. Bangladesh and India went through tensions in their bilateral relations in phases on various issues since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5 last. Mamata’s meeting with the Bangladesh High Commissioner in nearly nine years came amid Dhaka’s concerns over push-ins. Before his meeting with Mamata, High Commissioner Riaz visited Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and held a meeting with all at the Deputy High Commission. On May 29, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India submitted his credentials to the Indian President. Extending a warm welcome to newly appointed Bangladesh High Commissioner, President of India Droupadi Murmu said they envision a “democratic, stable, prosperous and inclusive” Bangladesh. She emphasised that the foundation of bilateral ties between the two nations lies in the shared sacrifices made during the Liberation War of 1971.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Istanbul, on sought intensified humanitarian contributions for Rohingyas, stressing that the pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, environment and local communities is unsustainable. "We are facing mounting humanitarian, developmental and security-related challenges," he said while speaking at the OIC Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations against the Rohingyas. Bangladesh has shown "extraordinary compassion and responsibility" by sheltering over 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas despite experiencing a snowballing of the crises. Since November 2023, over 118,000 more Rohingyas have arrived due to renewed violence and instability. A “high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar” will be organised on 30 September 2025 in New York on the sidelines of UNGA.  "We expect high-level participations from the OIC countries," Adviser Hossain said. He said OIC may engage the member states to provide required financial support to run case at ICJ by the Gambia. Now the Gambia will need full solidarity, support and cooperation. Dhaka voices deep concern over attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities "I would like to request our brothers to extend more financial support to the OIC fund for this case," Hossain said, adding that ensuring justice will boost confidence of the Rohingyas to return to Myanmar. For the Rohingya community, he said, Bangladesh has done its part - perhaps more than its share. "We now look to the OIC and the international community to uphold their moral and legal responsibilities. Our call today is not just for charity, but also for justice, solidarity, and shared accountability. Let us reaffirm, as one Ummah, that the Rohingyas will not be forgotten," said the Adviser. Recently, the situation in Rakhine has undergone dramatic changes. The Arakan Army now controls the 271-km Bangladesh-Myanmar Border and 14 of Rakhine’s 17 townships. As of May 2025, the number of reported internally displacement persons in Rakhine is around 587,000 (Five hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand). "Due to the ongoing conflict, another 1,18,000 Myanmar nationals have fled to Bangladesh recently. All these influxes are further straining Bangladesh’s limited resources," Hossain said. The world is now going through multiple conflict situations. First batch of Bangladeshis likely to return home from Iran next week "The humanitarian needs are rising dramatically in different corners. The assistance for Rohingyas staying in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char has also been affected due to inadequate funding," he said. There is an alarming downward trend of humanitarian support for Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Only 68% of the UN estimated required fund for 2024 has been received last year. The 2025-26 JRP was launched with a pledged amount of USD 934.5 million for 1.48 million people. Due to fund shortage Unicef has closed learning facilities since 3rd of June. Moreover, WFP has cut the food ration twice. However, it will decline further if funds are not available by September. "We appreciate the humanitarian support provided by the OIC member States," said Adviser Hossain.  At this juncture of a critical time, he said they are witnessing with great sorrow the increasing victimization of Muslims across the world. The Rohingya tragedy is not an isolated episode - it is part of a broader pattern of injustice against Muslim populations, said the Adviser. He called upon the OIC to assume a more assertive and coordinated role. This includes sustaining international legal action, enhancing advocacy, mobilizing humanitarian resources, and working with global actors to facilitate durable repatriation of the Rohingyas with rights, protection, and dignity, Hossain said. "Malaysia is now the chair of Asean," he said, adding that OIC may engage this platform to urge Asean to put pressure on Myanmar to stop its atrocities against the Rohingyas and ensure a conducive environment for the repatriation from Bangladesh. The systematic discrimination and violence on the Rohingya community, native to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, reached its peak in 2017 forced them to flee across the border into Bangladesh, in what the United Nations rightly called a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”

Bangladesh on Sunday expressed deep concern over the recent attacks targeting the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. “Such developments risk further destabilising an already fragile regional situation and heighten the threat to international peace and security,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Shah Asif Rahman told reporters at the ministry sharing Dhaka’s position. Bangladesh reiterated its longstanding position in favor of peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Bangladesh urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions in the region. First batch of Bangladeshis likely to return home from Iran next week Reading out a press release, Asif said Bangladesh calls on the United Nations and the international community to engage proactively in efforts to de-escalate the situation and promote peace and stability in the Middle East. He said Bangladesh firmly believes that constructive engagement, mutual respect and adherence to international norms are the only sustainable path to enduring peace.

Amid growing tensions over Iran-Israel conflicts, the first batch of Bangladesh nationals, willing to return home from Iran, is expected to arrive in Dhaka next week. “The ministry is trying to ensure that the first group of those interested in repatriation reaches Bangladesh next week,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Shah Asif Rahman told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Briefing reporters at the ministry, he said the repatriation process will be completed with the cooperation of Iran's neighboring countries. Asif said the government has started the necessary process to repatriate all Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran who wish to return to Bangladesh. The process of bringing back others to Bangladesh will be completed in phases, said the Spokesperson, adding that the ministry is in touch with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment regarding repatriation. All Bangladeshi citizens interested in returning home have been requested to register with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran along with their names, addresses and other necessary information. Dhaka voices deep concern over attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities The Bangladeshis in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh have also been encouraged to contact the following hotlines (including WhatsApp) of the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly if necessary: Bangladesh Embassy, Tehran-Hotline numbers are: +989908577368, +989122065745 and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka-Hotline number is +8801712012847.

The European Union (EU) on Sunday said it is engaging with the Bangladesh Election Commission and civil society as part of its support for preparations ahead of the upcoming national election. The European Union Delegation and its partners seek to empower civil society in building a more democratic future for Bangladesh, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka. Bangladesh strongly condemns 'unlawful, aggressive military attacks' on Iran by Israel Its partner ANFREL, powered by the EPD, hosted a three-day workshop on citizen election observation in Dhaka from June 18-20. The vital role of active and impartial citizen election observers in promoting transparency and accountability was underlined by all participants, said the EU Embassy. The Bangladesh Election Commission, acknowledged its support and central role to issue clear rules to guide observers.

Bangladesh has strongly condemed the 'unlawful and aggressive military attacks' carried out by Israel against Iran. "This blatant act of aggression is a grave violation of international law, the UN Charter, and Iran’s sovereignty. Such reckless actions by Israel threaten to destabilise the region and undermine global peace and security,"  said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday . He made the remarks while speaking at 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) being held in Istanbul on June 21-22, under the chairmanship of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Bangladesh called for an immediate end to such provocations and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable while working collectively to ensure peace through diplomacy and respect for international norms. Bangladesh said it remains steadfast in upholding the principles of peace, solidarity, and development, as enshrined in the OIC Charter. "Let us reaffirm our shared principles of justice, equity, and unity. Let us work together to strengthen the OIC — not only just confined in a calendar of events but as an engine of transformation for the Muslim world," said the Foreign Adviser. "From the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza to the protracted plight of the Rohingyas, and from climate vulnerability to economic dislocations, and now the Israeli aggression against Islamic republic of Iran; all calling for a revitalided, dynamic and responsive OIC," Hossain said. Regrouping such as today’s gives an opportunity to unitedly brainstorm, reflect and chart out a common future path, he said. The dire situation in Palestine is surely a litmus test for the Muslim as well as global community and I n plain and simple words, humanity cannot afford to fail in this critical front, he said. Sweden pledges extra $2.1mn as lifesaving aid, green return in Cox’s Bazar It has been more than 600 days, the Israeli brutal aggression is continuing in Gaza. Bangladesh strongly condemns the Israeli genocidal intent and onslaught in Gaza. "This continues to result in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and systematic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law," Hossain said. "We call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a credible, irreversible path toward a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent and sovereign Palestine based on the 1967 borders," he added. Bangladesh said the OIC must remain united and vocal in demanding justice and accountability through the ICJ and ICC. "Our solidarity must translate into strategic and sustained action," Hossain said. Earlier on June 13, Bangladesh unequivocally expressed its strong condemnation and deep concern over the latest Israeli military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Bangladesh calls upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any actions that may further escalate tensions in an already volatile region. Bangladesh urges the United Nations and the international community to act collectively in support of a stable Middle East, underscoring that diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only viable path to lasting peace.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Istanbul, has conveyed the OIC Member States that the interim government is committed to institutional reforms and restoring public trust through a "peaceful and participatory" path forward. He said Bangladesh is currently passing through a "historic democratic transition" under an interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. "At this historic juncture, we firmly believe that the solidarity of the OIC Member States is important in ensuring a successful, peaceful, and people-oriented transition in Bangladesh," Adviser Hossain said. He made the remarks while speaking at 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) being held in Istanbul on June 21-22, under the chairmanship of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Bangladesh, China, Pakistan agree to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors "Let us reaffirm our shared principles of justice, equity, and unity. Let us work together to strengthen the OIC — not only just confined in a calendar of events but as an engine of transformation for the Muslim world," said the Foreign Adviser. Justice & Accountability The meeting convened at a time of some serious trials for the entire Muslim Ummah. "From the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza to the protracted plight of the Rohingyas, and from climate vulnerability to economic dislocations, and now the Israeli aggression against Islamic republic of Iran; all calling for a revitalized, dynamic and responsive OIC," Hossain said. Regrouping such as today’s gives an opportunity to unitedly brainstorm, reflect and chart out a common future path, he said. The dire situation in Palestine is surely a litmus test for the Muslim as well as global community. In plain and simple words, humanity cannot afford to fail in this critical front. It has been more than 600 days, the Israeli brutal aggression is continuing in Gaza. Bangladesh strongly condemns the Israeli genocidal intent and onslaught in Gaza. Committed to working with Bangladesh to promote regional peace: US "This continues to result in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and systematic violations of international human rights and humanitarian law," Hossain said. "We call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a credible, irreversible path toward a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent and sovereign Palestine based on the 1967 borders," he added. Bangladesh said the OIC must remain united and vocal in demanding justice and accountability through the ICJ and ICC. "Our solidarity must translate into strategic and sustained action," Hossain said. Israeli Attacks Condemned Bangladesh strongly condemned the unlawful and aggressive military attacks carried out by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. "This blatant act of aggression is a grave violation of international law, the UN Charter, and Iran’s sovereignty. Such reckless actions by Israel threaten to destabilize the region and undermine global peace and security," Hossain said. Bangladesh called for an immediate end to such provocations and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable while working collectively to ensure peace through diplomacy and respect for international norms. Bangladesh said it remains steadfast in upholding the principles of peace, solidarity, and development, as enshrined in the OIC Charter. Rohingya Crisis "In that spirit, I must draw your attention to another pressing humanitarian challenge — the prolonged and deepening Rohingya crisis," Hossain said. For the past eight years, Bangladesh has provided shelter to over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas who fled mass atrocities in Myanmar. Bangladesh urges Saudi Arabia to maint 1,000-pilgrim Hajj quota per agency The ongoing conflicts and political crisis in Myanmar have worsened the Rohingya crisis. "While we remain committed to humanitarian principles, the Rohingya crisis is no longer sustainable," Hossain said, adding that it can be a threat multiplier that can jeopardize regional and global security. He said the ultimate solution lies in ensuring a safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation to their homeland, the Rakhine State, Myanmar. Bangladesh deeply appreciates the OIC’s legal initiatives at the ICJ and inclusion of Rohingya issue as one of the vital strategic goals under the OIC Ten Year Programme of Action (TYPOA). "We now urge for enhanced diplomatic pressure on Myanmar, and meaningful burden-sharing among member states, while also assisting in financing the ongoing legal proceedings at the ICJ," Hossain said. "I shall be remiss if I do not mention here the role being played by the Gambia and Foreign Minister Dr. Mamodou Tangara," he added. Hossain also called for meaningful participation of all the OIC Member States in the upcoming High-Level Conference on Rohingya Muslims, scheduled for 30 September 2025 at the UN Headquarters. Climate Resilience Initiative As a climate-vulnerable country, Bangladesh feels that OIC should undertake a Climate Resilience Initiative, to coordinate adaptation, finance access, and technology transfer. "OIC may also establish an OIC Innovation Network to connect our youth, researchers, and entrepreneurs," Hossain said. Enhancing intra-OIC trade and connectivity is essential to reap the collective economic potential, he said. To address today’s global and regional challenges, Hossain said they should reinforce the OIC’s institutional capacity, responsiveness, and implementation mechanisms. As part of Bangladesh’s renewed engagement, he said they have established an Independent permanent mission to the OIC and have appointed a Permanent Representative to the OIC. "We lately signed the OIC Anti-Corruption Convention and the Labour Centre Statute. These are some of the steps toward deeper integration with the OIC’s normative and institutional frameworks," he said.

Bangladesh, China and Pakistan have identified several areas for deeper cooperation including infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, maritime affairs, ICT, disaster preparedness and climate change issues. The three sides agreed to forge cooperation on the principles of openness, inclusivity, good neighbourliness and win-win situation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release on Saturday night. Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held an "informal trilateral meeting" on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting in Kunming on June 19. Bangladesh's former Acting Foreign Secretary Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Pakistani Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui led their respective delegations in the meeting. Siddique mentioned that as partners of Belt and Road Initiative, the three nations could work together in aligning respective national visions with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. He stressed on the importance of forging robust partnership among the three friendly nations to deliver real benefits to their peoples and to improve their livelihoods. During the meeting, the three sides exchanged views on possible trilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual trust, understanding and shared vision for peace, prosperity and stability in the region.  

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Saturday recalled the enduring bonds of cultural affinity between Bangladesh and India and hoped that Yoga will be yet another ‘unifying bond’ between the two peoples in their shared pursuit of wellness and harmony. “As we commemorate this year's International Day of Yoga, we are reminded of the enduring bonds of cultural affinity between our two countries, their strong historical and people-to-people ties, and their relationship founded on the shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971,” he said. High Commissioner Verma noted that Yoga has become a way of life for millions around the world, with Yoga connecting them across borders, cultures and beliefs. He highlighted Yoga’s universality in today’s world and noted that this year’s theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ symbolises Yoga’s role linking individual wellness with global sustainability. The High Commission of India and Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) celebrated the International Day of Yoga with a grand session of common Yoga protocol and Yoga demonstrations by six prominent Yoga institutions of Bangladesh. In her remarks, Director of Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre Ann Mary George said this was the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga. “It was in September 2014 that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, proposed declaring an International Day of Yoga during his address at the United Nations General Assembly,” she said, adding that soon afterwards, in December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly, by consensus, declared June 21 to be celebrated as the International Day of Yoga every year. Popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event held at the High Commission in the morning. The event included participation by a large number of Yoga enthusiasts from Bangladesh who participated in a practice session based on the common Yoga protocol. Prof Yunus’ London visit very successful: Acting Foreign Secretary Many prominent Yoga institutions of Bangladesh also presented Yoga demonstrations highlighting the benefits of Yoga. Senior Yoga practitioners over the age of 70 were felicitated at the event. Besides Yoga enthusiasts and institutions, the event was attended by a number of eminent cultural personalities, artists, media persons, professionals, scholars and youths of Bangladesh. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 11th International Day of Yoga (IYD) event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and led the celebrations of International Yoga Day and took part in the session. This year marks the 11th International Day of Yoga with the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, which echoes a vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. Yoga strengthens the body, calms the mind and fosters a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility in daily life. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.  Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognising its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21, as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising Yoga.