Foreign Affairs
Dhaka seeks faster Canadian visa processing for Bangladeshi students
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain on Monday urged Canadian authorities to expedite visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals, with a particular focus on student visas.
The Foreign Adviser mentioned the daunting challenges faced by Bangladesh in hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh and sought international cooperation, including Canada’s strong support for their sustainable return to their homeland.
No discussion regarding CA’s China visit, says Foreign Adviser after his bilateral tour
The issues were discussed when newly-appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats of the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka were also present at the meeting.
The Foreign Adviser welcomed and congratulated Ajit Singh on his appointment as the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh.
They had elaborate discussions on key issues, including agricultural cooperation, trade and investment, the financial sector and the Rohingya crisis.
South Korea backs Bangladesh's interim govt, reforms
The High Commissioner noted these concerns and assured maximum support in addressing those.
The two dignitaries reaffirmed to further strengthen the existing excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, capacity building, skill development, technical assistance and people-to-people contact.
The Foreign Adviser assured the High Commissioner of full support from the government of Bangladesh during his tenure to strengthen the Bangladesh-Canada partnership.
2 weeks ago
South Korea backs Bangladesh's interim govt, reforms
Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Jeongkyu w on Thursday reaffirmed his country's support for Bangladesh's interim government and its reform efforts.
He extended South Korea's support to Bangladesh during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He expressed satisfaction with the robust trade, investment, and economic ties between the two countries, highlighting that 150 Korean companies are operating in Bangladesh, with more seeking investment opportunities in key sectors.
South Korean special envoy to pay “goodwill” visit to Bangladesh Jan 22-23
The Foreign Secretary informed the Special Envoy about Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives following the July-August revolution to promote transparency and accountability.
The Foreign Secretary also mentioned the active role of the interim government in creating a conducive environment for organising the election to ensure a smooth transition of power.
He emphasised Bangladesh’s interest in attracting Korean investment in agriculture, high-tech RMG, smart city development and electronics.
Jashim Uddin stressed the importance of enhanced business-to-business and Chamber-to-Chamber engagements and urged swift progress on the Economic Partnership Agreement to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
The Special Envoy praised the Bangladeshi workers for their contribution and hard work.
The Foreign Secretary praised ROK’s Employment Permit System (EPS).
He also acknowledged ROK’s transformation into a developed nation, describing it as an inspiration for Bangladesh’s own development aspirations.
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He also praised ROK’s global soft power, including the cultural influence of K-Pop and K-Dramas, which continue to win hearts worldwide, including in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Secretary also thanked ROK, being supportive to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue, with the Special Envoy reaffirming Korea’s support.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing high-level engagements to deepen Bangladesh-ROK relations.
3 weeks ago
Dhaka, Beijing eye "new chapter of cooperation" through Foreign Adviser’s maiden bilateral trip
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain's planned visit to China is set to strengthen the deep understanding, friendship, and vibrant partnership shared by both nations, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing their strategic cooperation.
Bangladesh and China expressed optimism that the Foreign Adviser’s visit will pave the way for a "new chapter of cooperation" between Bangladesh and China.
Fakhrul discusses bilateral issues with Chinese ambassador
During the visit, the top diplomats of the two countries are expected to formally announce the inauguration of celebration of the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry on Thursday ahead of the Foreign Adviser’s visit to China scheduled for 20–24 January.
The meeting mainly highlighted the preparation of Foreign Adviser’s visit on both sides.
It was underlined that the upcoming visit would "carry special significance" as it is the first official bilateral visit of Adviser Hossain this year.
The Ambassador expressed China’s sincere appreciation for Bangladesh’s unwavering support to One-China Policy.
He reaffirmed China’s firm respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated China’s continued support for Bangladesh’s stability, reforms, and democratic transition.
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The envoy emphasized that this visit would further cement the cooperative ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Wen also underscored the importance of strengthening economic and strategic cooperation, with a particular focus on projects like the China Economic Zone in Chattogram and the enhancement of connectivity initiatives.
He also emphasized the importance of practical bilateral cooperation, particularly in sectors such as digital connectivity and port modernisation.
Regional and global issues also featured in the discussions, notably the ongoing Rohingya crisis.
The Foreign Secretary conveyed Bangladesh’s deep appreciation for China’s active role in facilitating dialogue on the issue and sought China’s continued support in ensuring an early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.
Both sides expressed a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
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The meeting also touched upon exchange of visits and agreed that such visits will further strengthen the bilateral relationship and contribute to greater cooperation in areas like trade, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
4 weeks ago
Dhaka renews efforts to explore opportunities in Africa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has renewed its efforts to explore business opportunities in Africa by addressing the challenges.
As part of its renewed initiative, the ministry hosted an inter-ministerial meeting on January 15 chaired by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
The meeting, the first of its kind, underscored the ministry's commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue and supporting the efforts of Bangladeshi businesses in Africa.
Chinese envoy discusses bilateral ties with foreign secretary
The discussion centered on addressing challenges faced by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs operating in Africa and exploring actionable solutions.
The meeting also focused on how Bangladesh Missions in Africa, in coordination with the relevant ministries and agencies of Bangladesh, can facilitate the import of agro-products, including cotton, from Africa, while also encouraging Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to expand their presence on the continent.
Key proposals included the establishment of free zones for importing agro products, simplification of the Letter of Credit (LC) process, and exploring fund support options through Bangladesh Bank, said the MoFA on Thursday.
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Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Cotton Association, Cotton Development Board, and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association took part in the discussions.
Entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural production in African countries, including cotton and lentils, shared their insights and highlighted the challenges they face.
4 weeks ago
Chinese envoy discusses bilateral ties with foreign secretary
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday met Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on Bangladesh-China relations, bilateral cooperation and joint celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will pay an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on January 20-24 which is described as “very important first bilateral visit” after the formation of the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus in August last year.
Read: Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period: Touhid Hossain
The foreign adviser said he will leave Dhaka on January 20 (evening) and will return to Dhaka on January 24. He will have engagements on January 21-23.
Bangladesh sees Hossain’s maiden bilateral visit to China as a “great opportunity” to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations with Beijing giving an outline for the future cooperation.
4 weeks ago
India’s envoy Verma calls for joint efforts to combat border crimes
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border.
He had a discussion with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges.
Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the High Commissioner said the two border forces- BSF and BGB - have been in communication.
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He also talked about addressing the challenges of smuggling.
In a move to address escalating tensions along the Bangladesh-India border, the Indian High Commissioner had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim to discuss recent border-related issues.
The Indian High Commissioner was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries.
He made a brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour.
India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand
Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities."
The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.
1 month ago
KSA has all capabilities to support crude oil-based project: Ambassador
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Issa bin Yousef Al-Duhailan on Thursday said his country has all the necessary capabilities to support any crude oil-based project on commercial terms of supply.
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He also emphasised that Saudi Aramco's investment plans do not include investing in the refinery construction project in Bangladesh.
1 month ago
Visa issue doesn’t exist once passport revoked: Govt
Apparently referring to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension, the interim government on Thursday said visa issue does not exist once passport is cancelled.
“I would give you general answer – if passport is cancelled, no visa issue remains there,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters while responding to a question at a weekly briefing at the ministry.
Hasina’s visa extension not taken positively by people: Rizvi
He also said the passport cancellation issues are notified through Bangladesh Missions abroad so that the countries which have diplomatic relations with Bangladesh know about the cancellation.
“As we don’t have additional information, we would not speculate,” Alam added.
Earlier, the Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, due to their alleged involvement in the July killings and alleged involved in enforced disappearances.
However, the Hindustan Times, a major national daily of India, reported that Sheikh Hasina’s visa extension was recently approved, facilitated by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand
Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing her country in August last year, following widespread protests that culminated in her resignation.
"Like you, I too came to know about this (extension of Sheikh Hasina's visa) through the newspaper. What can we do?" Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain posed a counter question when journalists approached him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
He also said they have not yet received a response to the letter (note verbale) sent to India requesting Sheikh Hasina's extradition.
“At this moment, we are waiting for India’s reply,” Spokesperson Alam said on Thursday, adding that there is no relation between former Prime Minister’s status in India and Dhaka’s request for her extradition.
The Spokesperson said everyone knows that she in India and Bangladesh requested her extradition as a citizen of Bangladesh.
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The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally requested Hasina’s extradition through a note verbale sent to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on December 23.
1 month ago
Dr Yunus urges Türkiye to invest, relocate factories in Bangladesh
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged Türkiye to bring their technologies to Bangladesh, invest more, relocate factories and use Bangladesh’s youth forces.
“You are the leader of the technology; you can build your defence industry here. Let’s make a beginning…we are available for anything that you need,” he said when a delegation led by Türkiye Trade Minister Prof Dr Ömer Bolat called on him at the state guest house Jamuna.
We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus
Mentioning Bangladesh as the 8th most populous country in the world, Dr Yunus said that the interim government was working to create work opportunities for the country’s youths and sought Turkey's help in this regard.
“We have to give our young people an opportunity, so we want your help; this is my appeal to your country. Use our young people to run your factories here so that you can supply your products in the region,” he said.
The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh and Turkey have the potential to build a dream relationship through mutual cooperation in various fields.
Jamaat Ameer discusses reforms, national unity with Chief Adviser Yunus
“The relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey is very warm; we want to build it in all sectors.” There are so many things to be done, some we want your support, your technology, and your investments," Dr Yunus said.
Turkey Trade Minister Prof Dr Ömer Bolat said that Bangladesh and Turkey can diversify their cooperation beyond the textile industry, which was their primary import from Bangladesh.
He said that there can be economic cooperation in the field of defence industry, health care, pharmaceuticals, and farm machinery. “We can replace India and other markets in Bangladesh’s imports. There can be cooperation in economic and social fields at all levels.”
He also said that Bangladesh and Turkish universities can have reciprocal cooperation.
Bangladesh's exports to Turkey stood at around 581 million USD in 2023-24, while imports were around 424 million USD.
Now nearly 20 large Turkish companies are operating in Bangladesh in garments and textiles, accessories, chemicals, engineering, construction, and energy sectors.
Among the Turkish companies operating in Bangladesh, notable ones include the Turkish LPG company AYGAZ, Coca-Cola Içecek, and the refrigerator and AC manufacturer ARCILIK (which has acquired Singer Bangladesh Ltd.).
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser recalled his telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in August, following which an eight-member Turkish delegation visited Bangladesh in October.
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Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser Mahfuz Alam, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, SDG Affairs Secretary Lamiya Morshed, and BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhory were, among others, present on the occasion.
1 month ago
India maintains silence on Hasina's extradition request as Bangladesh awaits response
India has refrained from commenting further on deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition request, though Bangladesh is awaiting a reply from India.
"You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs.
He made the remarks when a journalist wanted to know specifically about the issue during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.
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Interim government adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said they heard that India would not return her.
"Our observation is that they have made a political decision that they will not return her. We are hearing as such," the adviser said.
Bangladesh was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi.
“Surely, we will wait until a certain period. The diplomatic letter (note verbale) was handed over on Monday only. A reminder will be given writing again if no reply comes (from Indian side),” spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters while responding to a question at the weekly briefing recently.
He said the government will take the next step based on the reply from the Indian side. "At this moment, we won’t make any comments as we will wait for the reply.”
Hasina is facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, including murder, genocide and crimes against humanity in charge of killings during the July uprising that led to make her flee to India on August 5.
Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was later amended in 2016, providing a legal framework for such requests.
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In July 2016, Bangladesh and India amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral extradition treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between the two nations.
Meanwhile, a Chattogram court on Thursday rejected the bail application of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case.
Responding to a question on Chinmoy’s bail rejection, Jaiswal on Thursday reiterated that it is their expectation that the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will be ensured that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial. "This is our expectation."
1 month ago