United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald J. Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his assumption of office and expressed hope for stronger defence cooperation between the two countries. In his message to Tarique Rahman, President Trump said he expects the new Prime Minister to take decisive steps to complete the routine defence agreements that would enable Bangladesh’s military to access high-end American-made equipment, which he described as the best in the world. “I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before,” he said in a letter to PM Tarique, shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. President Trump said the partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper. “As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries,” he said. President Trump said his Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence. “Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.” “Good luck to you in the days ahead,” he said, congratulating PM Tarique on his historic election and wishing him a successful term as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Visiting Nepalese Minister for Foreign Affairs Bala Nanda Sharma on Wednesday met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work closely across bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms, advancing the shared interests of the two countries and peoples. The Nepalese Foreign Minister congratulated his Bangladesh counterpart on his appointment as the Foreign Minister of the government of Bangladesh. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shama Obaed Islam, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Director General Israt Jahan were also present in the meeting. Foreign Minister Sharma was accompanied by Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari, Joint Secretary Gahendra Rajbhandari, Deputy Chief of Mission Lalita Silwal, and Under Secretary Madhusudan Bhattarai. Special prayer for Khaleda Zia held at Kathmandu mission

President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday met newly elected Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to work closely with Bangladesh to further strengthen the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries. The meeting was held at The Jatiya Sangsad following the oath-taking ceremony of the Prime Minister and the new government of Bangladesh. During the meeting, the President congratulated the Prime Minister and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on their victory in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12. Dhaka, Delhi can work for each other's security, prosperity: Modi tells Tarique The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the President for attending the oath-taking ceremony. The two leaders discussed a broad range of areas to enhance cooperation, including trade and investment, health cooperation, environmental collaboration, higher education and improved air connectivity. This visit marks President Dr Muizzu’s first official visit to Bangladesh, said the President’s office. Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives were established on September 22, 1978.

Prime Minister of Japan Takaichi Sanae on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and said she looks forward to working with her Bangladesh counterpart to strengthen the “strategic partnership” between the two countries. In her letter to Prime Minister Tarique, Prime Minister Takaichi extended her congratulations on Prime Minister Rahman’s assumption in office as Prime Minister. She also welcomed the further promotion of democratic effort in Bangladesh and expressed that she looks forward to working with Prime Minister Rahman to further develop the bilateral relations based on the “strategic partnership” between the two countries. Tarique Rahman sworn in as Prime Minister BNP Chairman was sworn in as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad.

Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, stating that her country eyes strong ties with Bangladesh. "Warm congratulations to the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections," she said in a message. The Nepalese Prime Minister extended her heartiest congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to a remarkable victory in Thursday’s elections. Nepal’s Ambassador meets Tarique Rahman "I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our neighbourly ties and consolidate cooperation in areas of mutual interest," she said.

China on Wednesday said its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries are not targeted at any third party, nor will they be swayed by any external force. “Any attempt to interfere in or obstruct these relations is doomed to fail,” said a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, refuting again China-related remarks by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka shared its reaction through its verified Facebook page. Bangladesh, China sign framework agreement for procurement of 4 vessels The Chinese Embassy has made clear its solemn position on the relevant issue, said the spokesperson, noting that the US Ambassador to Bangladesh was singing the same old tune again, pointed fingers at Bangladesh-China relations and was mixing white and black. “Such remarks are made with ulterior motives.” The spokesperson reiterated that China and Bangladesh respect and support each other and have set a fine example of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. “China is a trustworthy partner of South Asian countries, and its friendly cooperation with South Asian countries has safeguarded peace and stability in the region, promoted development and revitalisation, and has been supported and welcomed by the peoples in the region,” said the spokesperson. 1000-bed Bangladesh–China Friendship Hospital, 24 other projects get ECNEC nod The US Ambassador recently said he is concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia, stressing that they have a host of options available to try to help their partner militaries meet their capability needs. “You know, as I said in my hearing…I am concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia. I think the United States government has been very clear about that," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with a small group of journalists on January 21. "And as I committed to my hearing, I will always engage with our friends in the government—be it the interim government or the newly elected government-- to clearly articulate the risks of involvement with the Chinese in certain areas should the Bangladesh government choose to go down that path," Ambassador Christensen said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on the historic and landslide victory of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), noting that the Bangladesh government looks forward to working closely with her administration to strengthen Dhaka-Tokyo partnership further. “The government of Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with your administration to further strengthen our partnership, deepen economic and technological cooperation, and advance our shared priorities for mutual benefit,” he said in a message to Takaichi. Takaichi’s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in parliamentary elections. Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus The landslide victory was due, in large part, to the extraordinary popularity of Japan’s first female prime minister, and allowed her to pursue a significant conservative shift in Japan’s security, immigration and other policies. “On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest congratulations on the historic and landslide victory of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) under your leadership in the election to the House of Representatives held on 8 February 2026,” Prof Yunus said. He said this decisive mandate reflects the strong confidence and trust placed in her leadership and vision by the people of Japan. “I am confident that, under your continued stewardship, Japan will further advance stability, prosperity, and constructive engagement both regionally and globally,” Prof Yunus said. He said Bangladesh attaches highest importance to its long-standing and trusted partnership with Japan. “We remain deeply appreciative of Japan's consistent support for Bangladesh's development, including our cooperation in quality infrastructure and connectivity, which has made a lasting contribution to our people and economy,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus conveyed her best wishes for her good health and success, and for the continued peace, progress, and well-being of the people of Japan. Spain’s deadly train crash saddens Prof Yunus

Bangladesh has formally established diplomatic relations with Caribbean nation Grenada through the signing of a joint declaration at the Bangladesh High Commission in London. The joint declaration was signed on Thursday afternoon by Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam and Grenada’s High Commissioner to the UK Rachér Croney, marking the official start of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Both Bangladesh and Grenada became members of the United Nations on September 17, 1974. Although various contacts and exchanges took place over the years, no formal diplomatic relations had been established until now. Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Abida Islam described the development as a significant and memorable moment in the history of Bangladesh’s foreign relations. She said the historic step, approved by the Advisory Council led by Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, signals the beginning of a new chapter in South-South cooperation. “This is not merely a diplomatic formality; it is a bridge between South Asia and the Caribbean,” Adiba said, adding that the relationship is founded on mutual respect and a shared vision for a fair and just global order. As fellow members of the Commonwealth, both countries deeply value sovereignty and the resilience required for nation-building, she noted, adding that Bangladesh and Grenada share a unique historical bond. “We will strengthen our voices together on the international stage,” she said. Bangladesh calls for new, accessible climate finance to address damages The High Commissioner highlighted the potential for building a strong alliance by combining Bangladesh’s global leadership in disaster resilience with Grenada’s influential role among Small Island Developing States (SIDS). She also said both sides would work jointly to expand trade and industrial cooperation by leveraging Bangladesh’s global capabilities in pharmaceuticals and textiles and Grenada’s strategic position in the Caribbean region. Abida added that the partnership would further deepen mutual engagement, with both countries remaining steadfast advocates for equitable development and climate justice.

Bangladesh and Japan have signed an agreement over ‘transfer of defence equipment and technology’ which is expected to ensure ‘appropriate control’ over the defence equipment and technology transferred between the two countries. Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Chief Adviser’s Office of Bangladesh and Saida Shinichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bangladesh, signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides on Tuesday.  The agreement entered into force on February 3, officials said. The strategic partnership and long-standing friendship between the two countries have been elevated to new heights through this agreement, the ISPR said in a media release. Bangladesh approves proposal to sign EPA with Japan It mentioned that the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan in South Asia will be further deepened, making an important contribution to regional stability and global security. The ISPR said the agreement is expected to further accelerate Bangladesh’s defense modernisation process. The deal establishes a legal framework for the governments of Japan and Bangladesh regarding the handling of defence equipment and technology to be transferred between the two governments in order to implement projects to be jointly determined, including those contributing to international peace and security, said the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Specifically, it stipulates procedures to determine and confirm each specific transfer as well as basic rules on the proper use of the transferred defence equipment and technology. The agreement, Japan said, will ensure appropriate control over the defence equipment and technology transferred between Japan and Bangladesh, especially regarding any subsequent transfer to a third party or any extra-purpose use.  It is expected that this agreement will contribute to closer cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan for defence equipment and technology, and maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defence industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan, said the Japanese side. Quoting sources at the Armed Forces Division, the ISPR said the signing of the agreement was made possible through intensive and continuous efforts by both sides since 2023. It said the defense agreement reflects the deep mutual trust, shared vision and cooperation between the two countries, achieved through the visionary and effective diplomacy of the interim government of Bangladesh. The agreement has been executed in full compliance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and will create an institutional framework for the acquisition of advanced technology and defense equipment, as well as for joint research and development, to help establish international peace and security and protect the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh. Japan, South Korea leaders drum to K-pop after summit The ISPR said the signing of this historic agreement will increase the exchange of military experts between the two countries, which is expected to play an important role in strengthening Bangladesh’s defense capabilities and implementing future action plans. According to the ISPR, the agreement is also expected to play a significant role in enhancing strategic relations and military cooperation between the two countries.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has emphasised the need for a level playing field for EU operators and consistent policy stability in the coming period to enhance bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the European Union. He also called for the completion of reforms launched by the interim government. In a recent keynote address titled ‘The EU Means Business in Bangladesh’, Ambassador Miller highlighted the EU's role as Bangladesh’s steadfast and reliable partner.  He underscored the strength of the EU's commercial relationship with the country and recalled its support for democratic renewal. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh), the official Chamber of the European Union in Bangladesh and part of the European Business Organisation (EBO) Worldwide Network, hosted the EuroCham Business Evening 2026 at the United Convention Centre, Dhaka. India seeks forward-looking cooperation with Bangladesh The event brought together EuroCham members, the EU Delegation, Member State ambassadors and trade representatives, businesses, partners, and Government of Bangladesh officials to advance dialogue and cooperation for European businesses.