United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said the government is in touch with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and expressed hope that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed would be brought back to Bangladesh soon. “Communication between the two sides is underway and the required documents have been exchanged. They (the UAE) wanted some specific information which was provided accordingly,” she told reporters after attending a programme in the city. The State Minister said the UAE is taking steps in accordance with its laws, and the Bangladesh government will take the next step through due process. Earlier, she spoke at an event where Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury attended as the chief guest. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the government is initiating the process of bringing back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Home Ministry has started the necessary process, and discussions are ongoing, he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a question about media reports that Benazir had been released on bail in the UAE. “If there is progress, you will be informed by the Home Ministry or our Foreign Ministry. You will get an update from the Home Ministry. I have just come from the meeting. It would not be right to talk about something that I am not fully aware of yet,” the adviser said. Several media outlets have reported that Benazir Ahmed has been released on bail in the UAE. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh. On June 14, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in Parliament. He said the UAE authorities informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest on June 12. “We will bring him back to Bangladesh soon,” the minister said, describing it as a major success for Bangladesh Police. In April 2025, Interpol issued a red notice against the former police chief. The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), officially launched the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026–2030 for implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Dhaka. The development of the NAP was supported by the European Union through the EU-funded Prottasha II project, implemented by IOM. The event also included a debriefing on the outcomes of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, highlighting Bangladesh’s leadership and contributions to the global migration agenda. The National Action Plan was approved by the Cabinet on May 21, 2026. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin, and Deputy Director General for Operations of the International Organization for Migration Ugochi Daniels also attended the event. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Mokhtar Ahmed delivered remarks on the NAP and shared their reflections on the 2026 IMRF. The speakers, emphasising sustained collaboration among government institutions, international partners, civil society, the private sector, and migrants for the successful implementation of the NAP, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that migration remains safe, orderly, and regular while maximizing its contribution to national development and protecting the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi migrants. The event also featured Bangladesh’s renewed commitments and pledges toward the implementation of the GCM, remarks from civil society, and the official unveiling of the National Action Plan. Bangladesh’s GCM journey, achievements, and challenges were showcased at the venue through a video documentary and a thematic exhibition.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has conveyed his sincere appreciation for Bangladesh's solidarity with the UAE following the Iranian attacks on the country. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he expressed gratitude for Bangladesh's support during this difficult time. The UAE President also extended his heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of two Bangladeshi nationals residing in the UAE who were among the victims of the attacks, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. He expressed his deepest sympathies to their families and the people of Bangladesh. The letter reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to further strengthening its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in the economic, developmental, and humanitarian sectors. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also expressed his keen interest in undertaking an official visit to Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity. He warmly acknowledged the Prime Minister's gracious invitation to visit Bangladesh and conveyed his hope to further deepen the enduring partnership between the two friendly nations. The United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh enjoy strong and multifaceted bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, close friendship, and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The ongoing Iran war is putting the United Arab Emirates’ long-standing reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism under growing pressure. For decades, the UAE has promoted itself as a stable destination for international companies and investors in a region often marked by conflict. But the war has brought missile and drone attacks, disrupted oil exports and sharply reduced tourism, raising concerns about the resilience of its economic model. The UAE, a close ally of the United States and Israel, has faced more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other country during the conflict. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, has significantly reduced the Emirates’ crude oil and natural gas exports. The Gulf nation has responded by accelerating plans to build a second pipeline to bypass the strait and recently decided to leave the OPEC oil alliance to allow greater long-term production. Although the United States and Israel launched the war, the UAE has become deeply involved because of its strategic location across the Gulf from Iran. A drone strike on Sunday targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant in western Abu Dhabi, highlighting the security risks the country continues to face. Officials said there was no radiation leak and the plant remains operational. Despite these challenges, the UAE’s large financial reserves have helped prevent major job losses and discouraged foreign companies from leaving. However, analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could damage the country’s carefully built image as a stable and reliable place to do business. The UAE has taken an increasingly tough stance against Iran, accusing it of threatening regional security and warning that it reserves the right to respond diplomatically or militarily. “The UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The country’s foreign policy has become more assertive in recent years under President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has shaped the UAE’s growing role in regional conflicts, including in Yemen. The war has also hurt sectors beyond energy. Tourism and business events, which account for more than 12% of the UAE’s economy, have been hit hard. More than 70 scheduled events have been postponed or cancelled since the conflict began in February, according to Northbourne Advisory, a Qatar-based communications firm. Hotel occupancy in Dubai has fallen sharply, with some estimates suggesting rates could drop to as low as 10% in the second quarter, compared with about 80% before the war. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest for international travel, has restored most of its flight schedule, but recurring missile and drone alerts continue to unsettle businesses and travelers. Even so, Dubai is trying to project a sense of normalcy. The city hosted a shortened version of its annual Art Dubai exhibition over the weekend, where artists said cultural events remain important despite the surrounding conflict. “Life doesn’t stop in a world war,” Beirut-based artist Alfred Tarazi said. “We can only counter a narrative of violence with culture.”

Asian stock markets mostly moved higher on Wednesday, even as Wall Street slipped, while oil prices dropped after the United Arab Emirates announced it will leave OPEC, dealing a blow to the influential oil group. U.S. futures showed slight gains, while markets in Japan remained closed for a public holiday. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi rose 0.3% to 6,657.40. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed 1.4% to 26,029.02, and China’s Shanghai Composite index gained 0.3% to 4,091.01. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged down 0.3% to 8,689.50. Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.6%, while India’s Sensex added 0.4%. Oil prices declined in early trading. Brent crude for June delivery fell 0.5% to $110.71 per barrel, while July contracts dropped 0.6% to $103.74. Before the war began in late February, Brent was trading near $70 per barrel. U.S. benchmark crude also slipped 0.6% to $99.32 per barrel. The UAE is set to leave OPEC on Friday, a move closely watched by global oil markets. The group produces about 40% of the world’s oil, and the UAE is one of its biggest producers. In recent years, the country has pushed back against OPEC’s output limits, seeking to increase its oil exports. Analysts at ING said the UAE’s exit could boost oil supply, noting the country has long been frustrated by production caps that limit its full capacity. However, analysts say short-term oil price movements will depend more on whether the Strait of Hormuz reopens. The key shipping route, which previously handled about one-fifth of global oil supply, remains largely closed amid stalled U.S.-Iran talks. Before the Iran war, the UAE was the third-largest producer in OPEC. ING said its departure could weaken the group’s ability to control global oil supply. Investors are also watching for progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations. Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, but Washington appears unwilling to reach a deal that excludes Tehran’s nuclear programme. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to announce its latest interest rate decision later on Wednesday. On Wall Street, stocks pulled back from recent record highs on Tuesday. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% to 7,138.80, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1% to 49,141.93. The Nasdaq composite dropped 0.9% to 24,663.80, led by losses in technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks. Chipmaker Broadcom fell 4.4%, Nvidia lost 1.6% and Micron Technology dropped 3.9%. Major tech companies including Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta Platforms are set to release their earnings later Wednesday. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar edged up to 159.63 Japanese yen from 159.62 yen. The euro weakened slightly to $1.1708. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury remained steady at 4.35%.

Amazon’s cloud computing arm has said that three of its facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain were damaged by drone strikes following US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend. The incidents took place on Sunday morning. At the time, Amazon Web Services (AWS) said that unidentified “objects” had struck one of its data centres in the UAE, causing sparks and a fire. On the same day, the company also reported power and connectivity problems at one of its facilities in Bahrain. On Monday, AWS confirmed that the disruptions were caused by drone strikes. According to the company, two facilities in the UAE were directly hit. In Bahrain, a drone strike near one of its sites caused physical damage to infrastructure. AWS said the attacks led to structural damage and interrupted power supply to key systems. In some cases, fire suppression efforts were required, which also resulted in additional water damage. The company said it is working to restore services as quickly as possible but cautioned that full recovery may take time due to the extent of the physical damage. AWS also advised customers in the region to back up their data and consider shifting workloads to other AWS facilities worldwide as a precaution. The company warned that the ongoing conflict has made the overall operating environment in the Middle East increasingly uncertain. US President Donald Trump has indicated that the strikes on Iran could continue for four to five weeks, and possibly even longer. In response, Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones targeting US bases and allied locations across the region, including in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.   With inputs from BBC.

The rulers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have granted royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday (January 14, 2026). The royal pardons were granted on the occasion of the 54th UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad) in 2025, which is observed annually on December 2, commemorating the historic unification of the emirates in 1971 under one flag. The gesture underscores the UAE leadership’s humanitarian values and commitment to giving those pardoned the chance to rebuild their lives and rejoin their families and communities, said the Embassy. Read more: UAE President pardons 25 convicted Bangladesh citizens As part of the Union Day celebrations, UAE leaders pardoned thousands of inmates across the country, marking one of the largest collective clemency initiatives in recent years. The pardons reflect the UAE’s longstanding tradition of granting mercy on significant national and religious occasions. The UAE rulers regularly issue royal pardons during events such as Eid holidays and National Day, promoting forgiveness, family reunification, and social reintegration. The recent pardon initiatives in late 2025 covered thousands of prisoners of various nationalities, including Bangladeshi citizens, offering them an opportunity for a fresh start. Read more: Disney to build its 7th theme park in UAE

President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 25 Bangladeshi citizens who were previously convicted in the UAE. The pardon was granted following a request from Bangladesh, seeking clemency for Bangladeshi nationals arrested in UAE in connection with the events surrounding the July 2024 and subsequently sentenced by UAE courts. Read more: Disney to build its 7th theme park in UAE All 25 individuals have been pardoned and returned to Bangladesh, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday, noting that this act of clemency once again reflects the generosity of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The expatriate Bangladeshis were detained at different times in the UAE during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. This humanitarian gesture reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to compassion, tolerance and justice, as well as the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh, the Embassy said. Read more: UAE President, PM mourn death of Khaleda Zia Earlier, the President had also pardoned Bangladeshi expatriates several times who were serving sentences for staging a rare protest in the UAE, underscoring the UAE’s humanitarian approach.

Disney will build its seventh theme park, this one in the United Arab Emirates, the entertainment company said Wednesday. The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city, already home to Formula One’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Ferrari and Warner Bros. amusement parks, SeaWorld and a waterpark, AP reports. Disney and Miral, the Abu Dhabi developer overseeing the project, hope to capitalize on the 120 million airline passengers that travel through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year. While long viewed as more buttoned up than the beaches and raucous nightlife in neighboring Dubai, Abu Dhabi also is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and there are more museums currently under construction. Disney Bets Big on Live-Action Remakes of Lilo & Stitch and Moana The theme park announcement is being made ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the region next week. Trump has promised a series of business deals with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. The theme park will be built and operated by Miral, but Disney will handle the design and development. Disney will also license its intellectual property and provide development and management services, according to a regulatory filing. The California company will not be providing any capital for the project. It will earn royalties based on the resort’s revenues. It will also earn service fees. Miral has been involved in the development of almost all of the entertainment complexes built on the island. A projected opening date has not been announced. Shares of Disney, which also reported second-quarter financial results on Wednesday that beat Wall Street's expectations, jumped more than 9% in morning trading.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant progress in resuming visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals, following “sustained diplomatic engagement” between the two countries, officials said. Meanwhile, a high-level UAE cabinet delegation is scheduled to visit Bangladesh later this month to further advance bilateral cooperation. UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali ALHmoudi Sunday called on the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi at his office and discussed issues of mutual interest. Ambassador ALHmoudi informed the Special Envoy that the UAE Embassy in Dhaka is now issuing between 30 and 50 visit visas daily. Additionally, bulk visa processing for business delegations has been expedited, enhancing people-to-people and commercial exchanges. In a major development, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources has reactivated its online system for skilled employment visas, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad. During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed appreciation for Siddiqi’s active engagement with the UAE government in recent weeks, which included over half a dozen ministerial visits focusing on issues ranging from visa facilitation to investment cooperation. MoFA's FB page hacking: All urged not to engage with posts Visas for professionals such as marketing managers and hotel staff have been issued in recent weeks. Furthermore, 500 visas for security guards have already been granted, with another 1,000 approved and set for issuance shortly. It is expected that the UAE will progressively ease visa restrictions further over time. The Ambassador also assured continued flexibility in considering humanitarian and compassionate cases flagged by the Bangladeshi authorities. Special Envoy Siddiqi welcomed the developments and thanked Ambassador ALHmoudi for his openness and support. He also expressed gratitude for the launch of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), noting that the two sides have already agreed on terms of reference.  

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has signed a lease agreement with Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Company Limited, a UAE and Singapore-owned company, a move to diversify the range of products. This agreement marks the establishment of the first machinery manufacturing industry in the BEPZA Economic Zone (EZ), further enhancing the zone’s diverse product line, according to a press release. Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member, investment promotion of BEPZA, and Li Meng, Chairman of Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Company Limited, signed an agreement in presence of BEPZA Executive Chairman, Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman ndc, psc. The company plans to invest US$ 8.32 million in the project, which will create employment opportunities for 92 Bangladeshi nationals. The factory will produce tobacco and cigarette machinery, a new and diversified product to be manufactured in the EPZs and EZs under BEPZA. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman of Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Li Meng, expressed his commitment to focusing on BEPZA’s potential and encouraging other investors to consider the EPZs and EZs. He assured BEPZA of his company’s dedication to transferring specialized knowledge and expertise in machinery production to Bangladeshi workers. BEPZA attracted 29 percent of total FDI last fiscal year, says its Chairman “It will help build a skilled workforce capable of producing machinery that is new to the country’s industrial landscape,” he added. Li also shared plans to establish two more industries in the BEPZA EZ in the near future, further enhancing the zone’s industrial capabilities. BEPZA Executive Chairman Ziaur Rahman thanked Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Company Limited for choosing BEPZA’s EZ as their investment destination and assured them of all necessary support to ensure smooth operations.