United News of Bangladesh

India on Friday said they look forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh and taking things forward, noting that they want to strengthen multifaceted relations with Bangladesh. "We look forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi. He said the recent letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi underlines India’s commitment to support a 'democratic, progressive and inclusive' Bangladesh. The Indian Prime Minister congratulated Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman soon after his election victory. Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony on February 17, and handed over a letter from the Indian Prime Minister to PM Tarique) Rahman. “Building on the warm and historic ties between the two countries, India looks forward to further strengthening our multifaceted bilateral ties with Bangladesh," said the MEA Spokesperson while responding to a question. Jaiswal also spoke about Bangladesh-India visa operations, saying New Delhi would discuss all the aspects of the relations will be discussed. Inviting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. Bangladesh should pursue ‘no-exclusive-alignment’ policy with major powers: Expert “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique on Tuesday. Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). As two close neighbours, Prime Minister Modi said Bangladesh and India have a deep-rooted friendship founded on shared history, cultural ties, and the aspirations of their peoples for peace and prosperity. “The strong convergence between our respective developmental priorities shall serve as a guiding principle for our future cooperation,” Modi said. He invited the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman to pay a visit to India at a convenient time. “I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi said.

Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on Friday telephoned Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on assuming office following a landslide election victory. “Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called Tarique Rahman around 3pm and warmly congratulated him on becoming the Prime Minister and on the massive election victory,” Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly told UNB. During the conversation, Anwar Ibrahim also conveyed Malaysia’s interest in working closely on various bilateral issues. Congratulating Tarique, Anwar Ibrahim hopes for 'renewed energy' in Malaysia-Bangladesh ties Tarique Rahman thanked his Malaysian counterpart for the call and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing cooperation for the development and prosperity of both nations. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds majority in the February-12 national election and formed the government on February 17, with Tarique Rahman being the Prime Minister.    

Manusher Jonno Foundation on Wednesday signed partnership agreements with 22 Women’s Rights Organizations as part of the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership project, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, rights and participation of marginalized communities across Bangladesh. The signing ceremony marked the formal launch of the renewed initiative, which builds on the earlier Women’s Voice and Leadership project and will be implemented on a larger scale. The project seeks to reinforce women-led and grassroots organizations, ensure their participation in national policy discussions, and advance gender equality through collective action. Speaking at the event, Ajit Singh, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, said women’s rights organizations play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. “At a time when women’s leadership and inclusion are more important than ever, Canada is proud to partner with Manusher Jonno Foundation and the 22 women-led organizations under our flagship women’s empowerment initiative, Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership,” he said. He added that the work of these organizations strengthens communities and promotes democracy, inclusion and shared prosperity, noting that Canada is honoured to support grassroots leaders driving social change. Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for relaunching the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership project. She said empowering grassroots organizations is vital for advancing women’s leadership and rights. “This partnership will further consolidate our collective efforts to promote women’s empowerment and leadership development in Bangladesh,” she said. MJF event takes stock of progress towards gender equality Representatives of the 22 partner organizations, including gender-diverse-led groups, were present at the ceremony. They described the partnership as a significant step forward in strengthening women’s empowerment and leadership nationwide. Participants also stressed that stronger coordination among government bodies, non-governmental organizations and grassroots groups is essential for advancing women’s rights. They expressed hope that the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership project would help enhance such coordination across the country.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to strengthen their partnership and advance shared priorities. "I look forward to this next chapter in the partnership between our two countries," he said in a letter extending his congratulations to PM Tarique on his victory in the Bangladesh elections and his confirmation as Prime Minister. As one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, Starmer hoped to continue to grow their trade and investment relationship. President Trump greets PM Tarique; seeks decisive action on defence front The British Prime Minister said the United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a close and long standing relationship.  "I am confident that under your leadership our collaboration will only grow, building on our shared values and rich history," he said. The British Prime Minister welcomed further cooperation to tackle illegal migration, combat the effects of climate change and strengthen our long-standing defence and security ties. "The UK will also continue to support Bangladesh as you generously host Rohingya refugees," he said.

Terming external debt pressure the biggest challenge for Bangladesh newly elected government, economist Debapriya Bhattacharya on Thursday said the administration must act with prudence to stabilise the economy. “Even during the interim government’s tenure, the burden of foreign loans did not ease. Bangladesh is in a fragile position regarding external debt repayments. There is no scope for populist measures at this moment,” Debapriya said at a media briefing titled ‘Starting Point of the New Government: An Economic Review’ at BRAC Centre Inn in the capital’s Mohakhali. Addressing the BNP-led government, Debapriya said restraint in fiscal management would be crucial. “You may not call it austerity, but discipline is essential. Without fiscal restraint, inflation and other macroeconomic vulnerabilities will intensify in the next fiscal year.” Referring to the BNP’s landslide victory in the 13th national election, he said the party now holds sufficient political strength to undertake difficult economic reforms. “The government should form a transition team to steer the economy out of the current crisis. This team can prepare briefing documents for each ministry, outlining where the economy stands and the direction it needs to take.” Debapriya also urged a thorough review of procurement and foreign agreements signed by the interim government before leaving office. “Many of those contracts are not well known to the public. It must be examined whether any rules or procedures were violated. All agreements should be reassessed prioritising national interest.” People to emerge as frontline guardians of democracy: Debapriya He categorically ruled out printing money as a solution to the crisis, stressing the need for structural reforms and prudent macroeconomic management. At the event, Towfiqul Islam Khan, Additional Director (Research) of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), delivered the keynote paper, while CPD Distinguished Fellow Prof Mustafizur Rahman attended it.

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.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Thursday said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries, which will be addressed through discussions at bilateral and multilateral forums. “We want to look forward, keeping our backbone strong and straight. That backbone has now become stronger after a long time as the government came through people’s mandate. All now need to look at Bangladesh from a different perspective,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sharing how the foreign policy of a democratic government should be. Asked about the interim government's reported policy position regarding deployment of Bangladeshi troops to Gaza and renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, the State Minister said these issues have not yet been discussed at the political level. "These are not discussed yet. To be honest, this is only the second day of the government. But you will have to wait…those political decisions will definitely,” she said. On relations with India, China and the United States, Shama said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries and would address them through both bilateral and multilateral engagements. "We will maintain relations with all states and governments. Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh and its people," she said. The State Minister said they will keep in touch with all countries, talk and advance relations through friendship. She said the current administration is a democratically elected government after many years and will pursue foreign policy with a firm and principled stance, placing the interests of people first. The State Minister said Bangladesh will continue its engagement with all countries and affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people. She said the government would safeguard the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining cordial relations with all nations. Diplomacy, she said, will be conducted in a manner that effectively protects national interests. She said the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are very experienced and they will work as a team. She also highlighted the need to conduct foreign policy with a united stance in the national interest, regardless of political party, opinion and religion. On visa restrictions imposed by several countries, Shama said the Ministry is aware of the challenges and is actively working to resolve them through diplomatic channels. "We are examining how these issues can be addressed and how we can move forward in a constructive manner," she said Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the State Minister held a series of meetings with senior officials of the Ministry in the morning.

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

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said they want to get back to the foreign policy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman which was very positive and expansive, stressing that the government wants to maintain a good relationship with each country while at the same time protecting the country’s interests. “Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma in the evening, seeking objectivity from the media while reporting on foreign affairs. The Foreign Minister said an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations and urged journalists to maintain objectivity and avoid rumors. NSA Dr Khalilur Rahman parries questions on Biman Board appointment He urged the media to keep eyes on them, noting that they want to demonstrate accountability. Dr Khalilur said it is very important to communicate and they will continue to remain engaged with the media as their activities will be people-centric. Dr Rahman announced that “Bangladesh First” would serve as the central organizing principle of the country’s foreign policy. Under this framework, he said, Dhaka will seek respectful, mutually beneficial relations with all nations, particularly its neighbors, grounded in sovereign equality and shared interests. “Bangladesh First will be the core philosophy of our foreign policy,” he said. “We aim to maintain good relations with all countries, especially our neighbors, based on respect and mutual benefit.” On his first day in office, the minister described a comprehensive reassessment of Bangladesh’s external engagement, anchored in sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, national dignity and honor, and reciprocity. He underscored that these five principles would guide diplomatic conduct going forward. “We will protect our national interest to the fullest extent.” Responding to a question on regional stability, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh seeks to reclaim a confident and proactive diplomatic posture, recalling the foundations laid in the country’s early years. No talks on ‘corridor’: Dr Khalilur Rahman He referenced Bangladesh’s successful bid for a seat on the UN Security Council soon after gaining membership in the United Nations, as well as its role in establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to strengthen regional connectivity. “We seek to restore that confident, expanded and forward-looking diplomatic posture,” he said. “Our foreign policy will be firmly centered on national interest. By carefully safeguarding our priorities, we will conduct responsible and courageous diplomacy.” Acknowledging the complexity of the task ahead, the Minister described the responsibility as both challenging and meaningful. “Our goal is to build a foreign policy that reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” he said, pledging a strategy rooted in national interest and constructive global engagement. On relations with neighboring countries, Dr Rahman reiterated the government’s commitment to balanced and pragmatic engagement. Where complexities or stagnation exist, he said, efforts will continue to resolve obstacles and normalize ties. “Our foreign policy will be guided exclusively by national interest,” he added. “It will not be shaped by personal or partisan considerations.” Regarding potential bilateral visits, the minister said it was premature to announce specific destinations. Invitations have been received from various countries, and decisions will be communicated in due course. Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Dr Rahman affirmed that the government’s focus would intensify. He said during the interim period Bangladesh maintained communication with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, and that such engagement would continue. “Our focus on the Rohingya issue will not diminish, in fact, it will be strengthened,” he said. “We seek a swift, realistic, and sustainable resolution.” Dr Khalilur Rahman urges Rohingyas to avoid violence and focus on successful resolution of issues He assured that the ministry would provide regular updates and uphold accountability in its conduct. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, who was also present at the briefing, acknowledged her new role would be both challenging and engaging. She affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people. “BNP’s position is that we will protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining good relations with all countries,” she said, adding that diplomacy would be conducted in a manner necessary to safeguard national interests. Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended congratulations to newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur. Wang Yi, who is also Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, expressed his intent to work with Foreign Minister Rahman to jointly implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and advance the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights. Dr Jaishanker said he looks forward to working together with Foreign Minister Rahman to advance cooperation between Bangladesh and India for mutual progress and prosperity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister served as Chief Adviser's High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs and National Security Adviser during the interim government’s period. He joined BCS (Foreign Affairs) in 1979 after securing the first position in the first regular civil service examination after independence held in 1977. Dr Khalilur served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. In 1991, he joined the United Nations secretariat as a Special Adviser and served in different senior UN positions during the next 25 years. In November 2024, he was appointed as the High Representative with the status and privileges of an Adviser. Dr Khalilur stood first class first in MA examinations in Economics at Dhaka University in 1977. During 1980-83, he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and earned the degrees of MA in Law and Diplomacy and PhD in Economics.

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Wednesday expressed solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, highlighting the importance of freedom of press and freedom of speech as an important pillar of democracy. The Ambassadors and High Commissioners and representatives of the diplomatic missions in Dhaka joined a programme held in front of the Prothom Alo office at Karwan Bazar, marking the inauguration of an art exhibition titled ‘An Artwork on the Attacked and Burnt Prothom Alo Building’ by artist Mahbubur Rahman. Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were, among others, present.    EU Ambassador Miller said he and many of his colleagues came to express solidarity in December last and they have come back as they believe in freedom of media and freedom of expression and they believe that journalists are fearless defenders of democracy.   Expressing solidarity with The daily Star and Prothom Alo, the Italian Ambassador said freedom of information is at the core of their values. The British High Commissioner said they joined the programme to demonstrate their support for media freedom as an important foundation pillar of democracy. She recalled the shocking events that happened in December and mentioned that as a member of the Media Freedom Coalition in Bangladesh, they strongly condemned the attacks carried out against journalists, editors, and media houses. "Such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and strike at the heart of press freedom and the public's right to be informed," said the MFC in a statement on December 19. The MFC called for the safety of all media professionals to be ensured and for swift, impartial investigations so that those responsible are held to account. "Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear," it said. The MFC said protecting them is essential to upholding the rule of law, democratic values, and an open, informed society.  US Embassy Spokesperson Poornima Rai said the United States is fully committed to freedom of expression and freedom of speech and they stand behind The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said journalists need to remain committed to standing beside one another, rejecting division. He affirmed that they will continue to pursue the truth, and that the growing spirit of unity within the journalistic community will endure. The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam urged the new government to conduct an unhindered investigation into the twin attacks to uncover those who orchestrated these attacks from behind the scenes, those who instigated and those who implemented the attacks. He appreciated his colleagues for the spirit they demonstrated in the post-attacks period, describing it as unbelievable. He finds this as a symbol of devotion to journalism and courage.