United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they look forward to working together with Bangladesh in a forward-looking manner to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains.  "So, I think, of course, people-to-people exchanges are a very important part of our bilateral relations," he said, noting that they really hope to take forward things working together in a positive, constructive and forward looking manner. The High Commissioner made the remarks while responding to a question after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. During the meeting, the High Commissioner reiterated their position that they look forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh. "We want to strengthen our people's centric cooperation in all domains, working together in a positive, constructive and forward looking manner. And based on our mutual benefit and mutual interest," he said. "So that was the conversation that we had and we really look forward to it," said the High Commissioner. The High Commissioner also met Stare Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "It was my first meeting with the new Foreign Minister and Minister of State after the formation of the new Government in Bangladesh. So, it was more of a courtesy meeting and an initial exchange of views," he said. The High Commissioner referred to their recent high level communications with Bangladesh since the election. On February 13, a day after the elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. "They also spoke on the phone later that day," said the High Commissioner. Later, on February 17, when the new government was sworn-in, the Speaker of Lok Sabha visited Dhaka to attend the swearing-in ceremony, representing the government of India. He also had a bilateral meeting with the new Prime Minister. "During the meeting, our Speaker handed a letter from Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Rahman," said the High Commissioner. In all these communications, he said, they expressed the desire to build on their historic ties with Bangladesh and strengthen the multifaceted bilateral relations. "We also underlined our commitment to support a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," Pranay Verma said.  

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Dhaka and Beijing have been engaged in long-standing discussions over the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, expressing the hope that work on the long-awaited initiative will begin soon. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. The Chinese Ambassador described the recently held election as smooth and orderly and found it as the victory of democracy. He said the high-level visits between the two countries would continue. On February 17, 2026, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Tarique Rahman on his inauguration as Bangladeshi Prime Minister. Li Qiang wrote in the message that China and Bangladesh are neighbors enjoying long-standing friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partners. Friendly ties between the two countries go back a long way. Over the past 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Bangladesh have always respected and treated each other as equals, pursued mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results, setting a fine example of exchanges between countries, Li said. The Chinese government supports the new Bangladeshi government in exercising smooth governance. Li said he stands ready to work with the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to carry forward the long-standing friendship, enhance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges in all sectors, elevating the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new level, so as to bring more benefit to the two peoples.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah on Sunday said that his country has issued 750,000 work visas and altogether 1.4 mn visas for Bangladeshi citizens in 2025. "There is scope for skilled and semi-skilled workers to jobs in the Kingdom as many development works are going on there," he said when he met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. During the meeting, they discussed the issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from his government and expressed his commitment to further strengthening Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh bilateral relations. Welcoming the Ambassador, the Foreign Minister described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh. He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began during the presidency of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1976. President Zia also paid a historic visit to the Kingdom in 1977. Both sides acknowledged his historic contribution to promoting Muslim unity.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli on Saturday visited the Central Shaheed Minar, the language monument in Dhaka, to pay homage to the martyrs of the Bengali Language Movement on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. "Coming from a country with four languages, we know how language shapes who we are and reflects the diversity within us. While we pay tribute to languages today," he said. The Ambassador said affirm everyone’s right to speak their own. The nation on Saturday observed 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day and the International Mother Language Day, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of the mother tongue, Bangla. The day was also observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.

The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Tarique Rahman upon his appointment to the post of the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The head of the Russian government expressed confidence that constructive joint efforts at the government level will be conducive to broader cooperation in trade, economy, investment, culture, and people-to-people ties for the benefit of both nations, said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday.

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.