United News of Bangladesh

Highlighting the importance of Dhaka-Delhi friendship, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they are willing to work together to fulfil the aspirations of their people and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by their shared sacrifices of the past and guided by the new aspirations for the future. "The bonds we share with Bangladesh are not transient; they are everlasting. A relationship forged in blood and sacrifice cannot be weakened. Together, we will carry this shared legacy forward into the future," he said while speaking at a programme in the evening. The High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India have come a long way since 1971. "We are today two fast-growing economies. Our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. Our geographical proximity with each other offers us new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions," he said. India rejects assertions made by Bangladesh interim govt Pranay Verma said India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realising the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation. Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad hosted the programme where the High Commissioner and his wife joined marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Mahaan Muktijuddha – the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. "December is the Victory Month. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices millions of people made during Bangladesh’s freedom struggle," Pranay Verma said. He paid tributes to the people of Bangladesh who overcame the long ordeals of oppression, killings and subjugation, with valour, grit and determination. "It is a time to cherish the values that underpinned that freedom struggle," said the High Commissioner. "Today is the Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day takes us back to one of the darkest chapters of 1971, when Bangladesh stood on the threshold of freedom," Verma said. The systematic elimination of scholars, doctors, journalists, artists and educators by the occupation forces was an act of desperation aimed at destroying the very soul of a future nation, he said. Dhaka urges stand against hatred, violence - online and offline "We remember and honour all those martyred intellectuals whose sacrifices serve as a guiding light – inspiring us to uphold the values of knowledge, wisdom, intellectual pursuit, and the courage of conviction," he mentioned. During the Liberation War, the envoy said, India stood with their brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, with immense pride, supporting them at every step in their cause for truth, justice, dignity and freedom of Bangladesh. "And in doing so, we also lost our own soldiers – in thousands. Countless more were left wounded," he said. There are many historical moments in India's support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War that are milestones in the history of our two countries that cannot be erased, said the High Commissioner. Just eight days ago, on 6th of December, he said, they commemorated the historic anniversary of the Maitri Dibos, the day when India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation 54 years ago, ten days ahead of Bangladesh’s liberation. He said the Liberation War of 1971 was the beginning of a relationship built upon humanism, empathy and trust that has sustained, despite changes, challenges and ups and downs in our relationship. "As we approach the Victory Day on the 16th of December, we reflect on the historic triumphs and the indomitable spirit of the people of Bangladesh that led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation," Pranay Verma said. Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  He said it has been fifty-four years since the Bangladesh achieved its liberation, and it is as important as ever that today’s youth and children—the future custodians of this nation—learn and carry forward this indelible history. "The programme organized today by the Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad reflects this responsibility, which we greatly commend," the envoy said. He made a special mention of the remarkable paintings depicting the glorious Liberation War, created by school students from Daka, that we just saw. 'Their creativity, empathy and sense of history are truly inspiring." In the presence of the heroic war-wounded freedom fighters of 1971, he said the place their hopes in today’s children—that they will uphold the ideals, spirit, and values of the great Liberation War. "Only then will the sacrifices of all our martyrs find their true meaning." "Occasions like today’s are meant to reflect on what we have achieved together. But these are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons of our partnership," the High Commissioner said.  

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to express his profound condolences over the tragic death of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in a drone attack in Sudan. “I am calling to express my deep deep condolences. I am devastated,” Guterres told Professor Yunus, adding that he was horrified by the attack. The UN chief expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh and requested the Chief Adviser to convey his condolences to the bereaved families, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Professor Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers and urged the UN to facilitate the evacuation of the injured soldiers to top medical facilities, as well as to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies. Guterres informed him that the injured peacekeepers were initially treated at a local hospital in Sudan and that arrangements were underway to transfer the seriously wounded to better-equipped hospitals. Professor Yunus thanked the UN chief for paying attention to the treatment and evacuation of Bangladesh soldiers. During the phone call, which took place at 7:00 pm Bangladesh time, Professor Yunus also recalled UN Secretary-General's visit to Bangladesh during last Ramadan. The two leaders discussed the upcoming general election, with Professor Yunus assuring Guterres that the Interim Government would hold a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election on February 12. Guterres expressed confidence that Bangladesh would successfully conduct the election.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid, now in Riyadh, on Sunday said they must reject every incitement to hatred, including across digital platforms and stand against violence, intolerance and discrimination. "Keeping this in mind, let us promote the values of unity, illuminate the path of understanding, celebrate the beauty of diversity and uphold our shared humanity," he said while speaking at the 11th Global Forum of UNAOC. Adviser Hossain said they must empower youth, foster intergenerational dialogue and place young people at the heart of global efforts to champion respect across civilizations, cultures and beliefs. "We must invest in inclusive education that nurtures peace, tolerance and cohesion," he said, highlighting the importance of expanding cultural exchanges, arts, sports and responsible media to build empathy and trust. The Adviser also said they must uphold justice and ensure accountability for victims of forced displacement caused by ethnic discrimination. The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting the two-day Forum. The Adviser, who reached Riyadh on Saturday, is expected to return home on Tuesday, a senior at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Adviser Hossain also expressed their appreciation to the governments of Spain and Türkiye, Group of Friends of the Alliance and the High Representative for their forward-looking leadership. "Peace is the ultimate destination of UNAOC," he said, mentioning that Bangladesh is one of the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations. "In line with our commitment to global peace, we strongly condemn yesterday's cowardly attack on the UN peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, which tragically claimed the lives of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and left several others injured," Adviser Hossain said. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that they live in a world where conflicts continue to surge, and humanitarian crises deepen, he said. "Shadows of xenophobia, intolerance, racism and Islamophobia stretch across continents. Persecution and displacement based on ethnicity or religion wound our collective conscience," saif the ForeignAffairsAdviser. At the same time, he said, division is travelling faster than ever in this digital age, misinformation, hate speech and deep fakes threaten peace and corrode their shared humanity. Against this backdrop, he said, Bangladesh proudly aligns with the Group of Friends in its steadfast commitment to intercultural and interfaith dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. "Our annual UN resolution on the Culture of Peace demonstrates our pledge that peace rests not merely on the absence of conflict but on justice, compassion and human dignity," Hossain said. "True to this conviction, we opened our doors to over 1.2 million Rohingyas - victims of genocide in Myanmar, who must be allowed to return to their homes," he added. This Alliance has become a beacon of dialogue, where differences converge into understanding, mistrust yields to empathy and diversity becomes a source of shared strength, yet more must be done, said the Adviser.

The International community, including the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom and France, stood beside Bangladeshi peacekeepers and extended their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. They prayed and hoped for a speedy recovery for the eight who were injured. The EU Delegation to Bangladesh, in a message on Sunday, extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh. "We wish all those injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery. The EU Delegation is grateful to Bangladesh for its invaluable contribution to UN peacekeeping, and for the courage, dedication and professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers across the globe," said the EU. The US Embassy​ in Dhaka noted Bangladesh's long history of support to UN Peacekeeping Operations, and extended its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. The Embassy hoped for a speedy recovery for the eight who were injured. The British High Commission also extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a full and swift recovery to the eight injured. "The UK remains steadfast in supporting Bangladesh's commitment to global peacekeeping," said the High Commission. The Embassy of France, in a separate message, extended its deepest condolences to the families of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a swift recovery to those injured. "France stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and honors its commitment to UN peacekeeping," said the Embassy. Bangladesh strongly condemned the attack on the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were serving under the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and eight were injured when a drone attack was carried out on a United Nations base in Abyei, Sudan. Bangladesh mourns the death of her valiant sons and expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families. At the same breath, the government and people of Bangladesh sent prayers for the healing and early recovery of those wounded. The government through its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York requested the UN to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured peacekeepers. The Bangladesh Mission in New York is in close touch with the UN and working together to extend all support to the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent there.

India on Sunday categorically rejected the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh, noting that India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh. “We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a media release. The reaction came soon after the report of summoning the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. In its reaction, India said they have consistently reiterated their position in favour of “free, fair, inclusive and credible” elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma to convey the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma, a senior official at the ministry told UNB. The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. The Ministry emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday reiterated the interim government’s initiative to secure Bangladesh’s membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 11-member regional bloc that has emerged as a major global economic and trade force. He expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh’s membership bid. In the process, Bangladesh already floated its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. “We take it very seriously. It will connect South Asia with Southeast Asia,” he said, referring to Bangladesh’s planned ASEAN membership. Prof Yunus made the remarks when newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Thithiporn Chirasawadi paid a courtesy call on him the State Guest House Jamuna. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen further bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and investment, maritime connectivity, prevention of online scams, multilateral engagement, and people-to-people exchanges, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday summoned the Indian High Commissioner to convey the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma, a senior official at the ministry told UNB. The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. The Ministry emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard. Police have already identified the attackers and their associates in the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Intensive operations by law enforcement agencies are continuing to arrest them, said the interim government. The motorcycle used in the attack has already been seized and the fingerprints of the suspects are being checked. To prevent the main suspect from crossing the border, photos and other information of the suspects were provided to all immigration check posts on Friday night. Patrols of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and RAB have been intensified in the border area. Although the location of the suspects has been identified several times within the country, it has not been possible to arrest them yet due to their repeated changes of location, the government said. Meanwhile, police have already collected the travel history of the main suspect and it shows that he has traveled to several countries in the past few years as an IT businessman. The latest information is that he traveled to Singapore on July 21. Several other suspects who may be involved in this attack have already been brought under surveillance.

Expressing deep sorrow, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said he is heartbroken over the killing of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in a terrorist attack on a United Nations peacekeeping base in the Abyei area of Sudan “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the news that six brave Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed, and eight others, including three female soldiers were injured in a brutal terrorist attack on a United Nations peacekeeping base in the Abyei area of Sudan,” he said in post on his verified Facebook page early Sunday. Tarique said brave Bangladeshi soldiers, who laid down their lives while serving under the UN flag to protect world peace, are a source of great pride for the nation. “Their sacrifice will always be remembered by Bangladesh. I pray for the forgiveness of the souls of the fallen peacekeepers and express my deepest sympathy to their grieving families,” he said. The BNP leader wished a speedy recovery of the injured soldiers and called upon all concerned to stand by them during this difficult time. As the son of a decorated army officer, Tarique said he has always been passionately inspired by the exceptional professionalism, courage and sacrifice of the Bangladesh Army. “In the current situation, I believe the international community must take stronger and more effective steps to ensure the safety of peacekeepers. May Allah accept our brave soldiers as martyrs and grant the injured a swift recovery,” he said.

Bangladesh on Saturday strongly condemned the attack on the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were serving under the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and eight were injured when a drone attack was carried out on a United Nations base in Abyei, Sudan. The government through its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York requested the UN to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured peacekeepers, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh Mission in New York is in close touch with the UN and working together to extend all support to the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent there. Bangladesh mourns the death of her valiant sons and expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families. At the same breath, the government and people of Bangladesh send prayers for the healing and early recovery of those wounded.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday strongly condemned terrorist attacks on UN peacekeepers, saying such acts are serious crimes against international peace and humanity. In a statement, Prof Yunus expressed deep shock and sorrow over the deaths and injuries of Bangladesh Army peacekeepers in a drone attack by terrorists on a UN peacekeeping base in the Abyei area of Sudan. "I am deeply saddened by the martyrdom of six of our brave peacekeepers and the injury of eight others while they were performing the noble duty of maintaining peace and stability," he said. "Bangladesh's contribution to UN peacekeeping missions is well recognised worldwide. This sacrifice is both a matter of national pride and deep grief. He prayed for the departed peacekeepers and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured The Chief Adviser said the government has already requested the United Nations to ensure the highest level of medical treatment and necessary support for the injured peacekeepers. "The government will stand by the families of the peacekeepers during this difficult time," he added Prof Yunus also urged the UN and the international community to take effective steps to strengthen the security of peacekeepers. Bangladesh government will continue close communication with the UN to ensure the quick return of the bodies of the peacekeepers and proper treatment for the injured, read the statement.