United News of Bangladesh

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will attend the 18th BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi, India, on September 12-13. The United Nations India confirmed his participation in a post on its verified Facebook page on Wednesday. As BRICS Chair 2026, India will be hosting the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Summit will bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries as well as outreach invitees. India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of "Humanity First." In addition to these areas, the leaders will exchange views on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation on common priorities and share perspectives on global and regional matters of mutual importance. Under India’s Chairship this year, over 350 meetings and high-level engagements have been held in over 25 cities across India to further strengthen the BRICS strategic partnership across three fundamental pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said the host country. Through these engagements, and business-to-business and people-to-people initiatives, India's BRICS Chairship has contributed to advancing BRICS cooperation through practical and development-oriented outcomes. India is a founding member of BRICS, and has previously held its Chairship three times in 2012, 2016 and 2021. India assumed its fourth BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2026. The year 2026 also marks a significant milestone as BRICS completes 20 years since its establishment.

Rescue teams searched through the remains of a collapsed building in New Delhi on Monday as the death toll from the incident rose to six, officials said. The five-story building, which operated as a hostel for male students, collapsed Sunday in Satya Niketan, a densely populated area known for private student accommodations near a Delhi University campus. Police, firefighters and teams from India’s disaster response agency continued search operations for a second day. Earthmoving machines removed large amounts of debris while sniffer dogs were deployed to help locate people who might still be trapped under the rubble. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said rescuers had pulled at least 12 people alive from the debris. About 80% of the rubble had been removed by Monday, with only debris from the basement still left to clear. Gupta said six people had died and six others were injured in the collapse. Residents said the building was at least 55 years old and had been undergoing renovation for several months. Although the work was reportedly incomplete, the building was reopened to tenants, most of them students, in August. Prakash Chand, a local resident, said workers were digging in the basement when the building suddenly collapsed. Gupta said preliminary investigations indicated that water had accumulated in the basement and that ongoing repair work on the aging structure may have contributed to the collapse. She said the government would introduce a policy requiring regular structural inspections and safety certificates for buildings used by the public. The proposed rules would cover student accommodations, nursing homes, schools and similar facilities. “No public activity will be permitted” in buildings that fail to meet the required safety standards, Gupta said. Building collapses are a frequent danger in some parts of India during the June-to-September monsoon season, when heavy and prolonged rainfall can weaken older structures and increase the risk of collapse.

Seeking an enabling environment to take forward relations with India, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday said Bangladesh wants all countries across the world to respect the entire structure of the state, and he believes India has understood Bangladesh’s concerns. “My impression, after speaking with them, is that they have understood it. We hope they will not do anything to undermine any pillar of our state again. This is our expectation, and based on my conversations with them, I am somewhat reassured that this incident will not be repeated," he told reporters at the MoFA, referring to convicted former Prime Minister Hasina’s recent press appearance in New Delhi virtually. Dr Khalilur said a state has three pillars - Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary - and for convicted Hasina, her place is within the judiciary. Explaining Bangladesh’s position, the foreign minister said Sheikh Hasina has been tried and convicted by a competent court and that any defence or legal response should be made through the judicial process. “So what Hasina did on the 5th August was… she showed disrespect to the judiciary, one of the pillars of the state. And the Indian government allowed that to happen,” Khalilur said. He also clarified that an invitation was extended and addressed to the Chairperson of BIMSTEC. "Please try to understand this distinction." “Prior to that, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, wrote a letter to our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which was handed over on the day our government was formed. He extended an invitation there,” he said. “There is an invitation. We will look into it at an appropriate time,” he added. Pressed on whether Bangladesh would accept either invitation, the foreign minister said, “We have not taken any policy decision on this matter yet.” Briefing the reporters on the outcome of the courtesy meeting between the Prime Minister and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh urged India to expedite the extradition of convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and hand over the suspected killers of Shaheed Osman Hadi to Bangladesh as early as possible. "We asked them to expedite this extradition process. We hope India will respond positively in this regard,” the foreign minister said. Bangladesh also hoped that the issue that emerged on August 5 following Hasina’s virtual press appearance would not be repeated, as Dhaka wants an enabling environment to take forward bilateral relations. Regarding the Hadi issue, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh has provided all the documents to India and expects the quick extradition of his suspected killers from India. “This is an extremely sensitive issue for us as well. We requested that these killers be extradited to us as quickly as possible,” he added. Dr Khalilur said matters such as river management and other substantive bilateral issues are not usually discussed during a courtesy meeting. Asked about India’s reaction to Bangladesh’s position concerning Sheikh Hasina’s activities on August 5, the foreign minister said New Delhi had understood the seriousness of the matter. “No, regarding August 5th, we have clearly stated our position. The Indian authorities have understood its importance with gravity,” Dr Khalilur said. “They told me this yesterday (Sunday), and they told the Prime Minister today as well,” he added. Dr Khalilur said the Indian High Commissioner also shared his experiences in Bangladesh over the past few weeks with the Prime Minister and “expressed his immense pleasure at being in Bangladesh.” Bangladesh on Friday said it desired to maintain a constructive, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking relationship with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and national dignity. "Regrettably," the Ministry said, "Bangladesh’s repeated requests to the government of India for returning convicted criminal Hasina to Bangladesh under the Extradition Treaty signed between Bangladesh and India in 2013 have not yet elicited a response." "On the contrary, allowing her the opportunity to openly interact with the media under any pretext is deeply hurtful to our people’s sentiments and detrimental to the development of harmonious bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India," said the Ministry. Bangladesh was outraged that the absconding "convicted genocider" Sheikh Hasina was allowed this evening to engage in a live interaction with the media in New Delhi, where she and her henchmen launched venomous vitriol against Bangladesh and its people.    

Bangladesh is outraged that the absconding “convicted genocider” Sheikh Hasina was allowed this evening to engage in live interaction with the media in New Delhi where she and her henchmen launched venomous vitriol against Bangladesh and her people, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday night. Dhaka deeply regrets that in spite of concerns conveyed a priori to the Government of India about the likely ramifications of this event on the reset of Dhaka-Delhi bilateral relations, this public event was permitted to be held, the government said in a statement. On a day when the people of Bangladesh are observing the second anniversary of the July Revolution, this interaction by Sheikh Hasina on the Indian soil stands as an affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh and a grievous insult to the martyrs of the July Revolution, the MoFA said.  The denial of facts established by the United Nations, including gruesome killing of the innocent civilians including minor children during July-August 2024 by the fascist regime, stands as a futile attempt by the absconding convicted mass murderer Hasina and her criminal cohort to reverse the tide of history, said the government. "The people of Bangladesh rejected such heinous attempts in the past and continue to do so now," the statement reads."Upholding the spirit of the July Revolution, our people have firmly resolved that our nation will never again go back to the dark days of fascism and that Bangladesh will never be a client State. Convicted mass murderer Hasina and her mafia enterprise will never have a place in the polity of Bangladesh," it said.Bangladesh said it desires to maintain a constructive, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking relationship with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and national dignity. Regrettably, the Ministry said, Bangladesh’s repeated requests to the Government of India for returning convicted criminal Hasina to Bangladesh under the Extradition Treaty signed between Bangladesh and India in 2013, has not yet elicited a response. "On the contrary, allowing her the opportunity to openly interact with the media under any pretext is deeply hurtful to our people’s sentiment and detrimental to the development of harmonious bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India," said the Ministry.

At least 21 people were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in New Delhi on Wednesday, police said. The building, located in the Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi, housed a restaurant on the ground floor and a hotel on the upper floors. The neighborhood is a densely populated residential area that is popular among students and young professionals. According to Delhi Police, firefighters brought the blaze under control with the assistance of eight fire engines. More than 40 people were rescued from the building and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Television footage and images from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the building as firefighters worked to extinguish the flames. Several people trapped inside were seen hanging from windows and calling for help while fire and smoke spread through parts of the structure. Local residents joined rescue efforts, helping evacuate occupants and carrying some injured victims to safety. Local media reported that some of those killed were foreign nationals who had travelled to India for medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims, according to a post by his office on X. The post also said the families of those killed would receive financial assistance of 200,000 rupees (about $2,088) each.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan faced difficulty leaving a location in Surat after a small crowd surge broke out during his visit to the city. The incident occurred when he stopped by the Pal-area residence of his friend, businessman Sunil Shah, at Casa Rivera. Bachchan had traveled to Surat to attend the inauguration of Season 3 of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), which begins this evening at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. Several former cricketers and film celebrities are taking part in the opening ceremony. After landing at Surat Airport in the afternoon, the actor went directly to Shah’s home, where the crowd gathered. A video circulating on social media shows Bachchan standing outside the building as a large group of fans surrounded him. Amid the commotion, a glass entrance gate reportedly shattered and collapsed. Some individuals suffered minor injuries during the incident. Police personnel were present at the scene to manage security and crowd control. The ISPL Season 3 officially kicks off on Friday at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium and will run for a month. The tournament features fast-paced tennis-ball T10 matches and celebrates India’s vibrant street-cricket culture, according to an official ISPL statement. Amitabh Bachchan proud as grandson Agastya Nanda debuts in Ikkis Earlier in the day, Bachchan was spotted at Kalina Airport in Mumbai, where he acknowledged photographers with a wave before departing. Work update Amitabh Bachchan was most recently seen in Vettaiyan, directed by T.J. Gnanavel. The film also featured Rajinikanth, Manju Warrier, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rohini, Rao Ramesh, Abhirami, and Ramesh Thilak. Details about Bachchan’s upcoming projects have not yet been officially announced.

Lieutenant General Manish Luthra, Director General Military Operations of Indian Army, has reflected upon the deep-rooted historical relations between Bangladesh and India. While speaking at a reception in New Delhi as the chief guest, he highlighted how the two nations have stood by each other in times of need and how their shared sacrifices and cultural ties have laid the foundation of a unique friendship. Describing the bilateral relationship as truly remarkable and exemplary, he emphasised that the cooperation between the two countries extends beyond the present spectrum, said a media release issued by the Bangladesh High Commission. Luthra expressed his strong conviction that this partnership, built on mutual trust and respect, will continue to grow stronger in the days ahead. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday (November 24) celebrated the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh with a view to brightening the country's positive image across the world and upholding the image of Bangladesh Armed Forces. To celebrate this special occasion, the Defence Wing of Bangladesh High Commission hosted the reception at Bangladesh High Commission Auditorium. Defence Advisers/Attaches and diplomats of different countries based in New Delhi, senior officers from the Indian armed forces, journalists, members from Bangladeshi community and few Indian war veterans of 1971 attended the event. The programme began with the national anthem of Bangladesh and India respectively. BNP leader Zainul Abedin urges India to return Hasina Thereafter the Defence adviser of Bangladesh high Commission, High Commissioner and the chief guest delivered their speech. Defence Adviser, Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman specially mentioned the great sacrifice of the War Heroes of India besides the Mukti-Bahini of Bangladesh in achieving the glorious victory in 1971. Appreciating the presence of the esteemed guests, he highlighted on the progress of defence cooperation between Bangladesh and India, as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and international arena. The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Riaz Hamidullah, in his remarks stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is multidimensional. He emphasised that the two nations are bound by shared history, culture and geography, and that the ties between their peoples rest on a strong foundation. The High Commissioner further noted that the basis of this relationship must not be deception, but rather mutual respect and trust. Recalling India’s contribution to Bangladesh’s War of Independence, the High Commissioner highlighted that during the challenging period of 1971, India played a crucial role for Bangladesh. He acknowledged that there remain several challenges and sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship. To build a brighter future for the peoples of both countries, he stressed the need for wisdom and cooperation in the days ahead. He underscored that in order to ensure peace, stability, and a prosperous future for the peoples of Bangladesh and India, both nations must not only address existing challenges but also seize opportunities for mutual collaboration. In his speech, the High Commissioner paid solemn tribute to the women who endured suffering during the Liberation War of 1971, as well as to the 1,668 members of the Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in that struggle. Afterwards, Indian war veterans who had contributed to Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 were felicitated by the chief guest and the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India. A short clip containing the contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forces in nation-building and for international peace was screened, followed by cutting of the cake and photo sessions. Read more: Dhaka voices displeasure over Hasina’s interviews with Indian media 

Bangladesh has written afresh to India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi but did not elaborate further. A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. Dhaka may approach ICC to bring back Hasina, Kamal: Law Adviser After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. “I understand they need to be brought back. We will let India know our position officially. Certainly, an official letter will be sent,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 17. Acknowledging that India did not reply to Bangladesh’s extradition request for Hasina, Hossain said the situation is different now as the trial is completed and they are punished. "This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement. July Martyrs’ families demand swift execution of Hasina’s sentence Meanwhile, India said it noted the verdict announced by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning Hasina and said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders. “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country,” said India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. The India ministry said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end. President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman on Saturday said India, as a friendly neighbour, should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems and return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. "If India respects international norms and rules, and international order, then India as a friendly neighbour, should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems," he said while responding to a question during a session at the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka. UN rights body regrets Hasina’s death sentence, calls verdict important for victims Muniruzzaman said Hasina's trial has gone through all international standards legal systems under which she was convicted.  "And that's a legal system that should be respected by all our neighbours," he added. If that respect is there, Muniruzzaman said, by all accounts she should be returned to Bangladesh. The security analyst said Bangladesh and India have an extradition treaty and India is almost legally bound to send Hasina back to Bangladesh under the treaty. He wanted to know what would be India's reaction if Bangladesh was housing a number of Indians and did not return them after a request made by New Delhi to Dhaka. If that is the case, Muniruzzaman said, anybody convinced under Bangladesh's law by international standards, India is legally bound to send him or her bank to Bangladesh.  "And by all those accounts, we demand that New Delhi sends her (Hasina) back to Bangladesh," he said. Verdict in Rajuk plot graft case against Hasina, Putul on Nov 27

Bangladesh on Wednesday (12th November 2025) expressed displeasure over the interviews of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina published by Indian media outlets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally conveyed Dhaka's displeasure to New Delhi through Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka Pawan Badhe, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Read more: Tensions rise as ICT going to set verdict date in Hasina case The Indian diplomat was asked to convey to New Delhi Bangladesh's request to stop Hasina's access to media, said a diplomatic source. The AFP, Reuters and the Independent (UK) also interviewed Hasina recently.

Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi and all members of the High Commission on Monday (10th November 2025) deeply condoled the tragic death of at least 10 Indians and many injured in the car blast in Red Fort, Delhi. "Our earnest thoughts | prayers remain with all those impacted, including their families," said the High Commission in a message. The High Commission said Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour. Car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort kills 8: Police Thousands of tourists visit the 17th Century Red Fort every day, which lies just a few metres from a busy trading hub Delhi's police commissioner says it happened 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT), when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light before it exploded India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his condolences "to those who have lost their loved ones" and says he is reviewing the situation Police say they have not yet found what caused the blast Read more: Car explosion near New Delhi’s iconic Red Fort leaves at least 8 dead, according to police