Thursday, 23 October, 2025
Thursday, 23 October, 2025
Joint Press Statement / 1st Bangladesh–Kuwait Political Consultation
The first-ever Political Consultation between the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the State of Kuwait was held in Dhaka on 19 October 2025. The

Sixth Bangladesh-Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations Held in The Hague

EU hails 'July Charter' as milestone in Bangladesh's political transition

CA, political parties sign historic July National Charter 

National polls must be held in Feb: CA

A business delegation of Bangladesh paid a visit to Bangladesh Embassy in Algiers
A business delegation from the Maritime and Shipbuilding industry of Bangladesh paid a visit to Bangladesh Embassy in Algiers yesterday and called on Md. Najmul Huda, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Algeria at the Chancery. The 10-member delegation led by Engr. Mohammed Abdur Rashid, Managing Director, Karnafuly Ship Builders Ltd. of Bangladesh is visiting Algeria to explore the possibilities of forging collaboration in the shipbuilding sector between the two countries. Ambassador Huda welcomed the delegation and exchanged views on the potentials for further strengthening the economic partnership between Bangladesh and Algeria.  He appreciated the initiative of the Karnafuly Ship Builders Ltd. for coming forward with their ideas and proposals, which they will share with the relevant stakeholders in Algeria during their visit. During their engagements with the Algerian authorities, the Bangladesh delegation will present the high capability of Bangladesh in the maritime sector and the immense potentials for mutually beneficial collaboration of the two countries by utilizing the complementarities existing in this heavy industrial arena.     The delegation also made a video presentation on the achievements and ongoing projects of the Karnafuly Ship Builders Ltd. and expressed optimism that their solid credentials would be instrumental in further expanding their business internationally.  The business delegation is scheduled to meet, among other, Minister of Transport, the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Algeria, Director General of the Investment Promotion Authority of Algeria, Ecorep Shipbuilding Yard, etc. during their visit.  
Joint Press Statement / 1st Bangladesh–Kuwait Political Consultation
The first-ever Political Consultation between the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Government of the State of Kuwait was held in Dhaka on 19 October 2025. The

Sixth Bangladesh-Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations Held in The Hague

EU hails 'July Charter' as milestone in Bangladesh's political transition

CA, political parties sign historic July National Charter 

National polls must be held in Feb: CA

Foreign ministry's maritime affairs secretary Khurshed Alam resigns
Offshore oil, gas exploration: 7 foreign firms bought tenders so far
Project cargo for Numaligarh refinery arrives via India Bangladesh protocol route
Tripura chapter of IBCC writes to Bangladesh minister for better connectivity
The BRICS-established New Development Bank (NDB) has planned to raise its lending to Bangladesh development projects to US$ one billion this year, a vice-president of the Shanghai-based multilateral lender said
Martin Raiser, vice president of the World Bank (WB) for South Asia, arrived in Dhaka on a four-day visit today, which the global financial institution stated was aimed at reinforcing
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus left here for Davos, Switzerland, at early hours of today, on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to leave here for Davos, Switzerland, on a four-day official visit to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
Chief Adviser Prof Dr Mohammad Yunus will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 21-24. Foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Rafiqul Alam today said in
Energy giant Chevron has planned to invest in new gas exploration activities in Bangladesh in an effort to boost the country's energy security, senior officials of the US-based company said
Touhid reaffirms NAM commitment for global justice, shared prosperity
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), calling for renewed global solidarity, justice, and cooperation to ensure shared prosperity and sustainable peace. Addressing the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of NAM in Kampala, Uganda, Touhid said Bangladesh is undergoing "a period of profound renewal," marked by inclusive reforms to strengthen institutions and uphold accountability, according to a message received here this evening.  "Reflecting on renewed aspirations and hope of our people, we are now pursuing inclusive reforms to strengthen institutions, ensure rights and uphold accountability," he said, adding, "This transformation in our country has reaffirmed a simple truth: affluence is not concentration of wealth by a few, and development is not just grand projects that become long-term liabilities." The Adviser emphasised that true progress must focus on investing in people, empowering women, and harnessing the potential of youth, aligning with NAM's vision of inclusive development. Highlighting Bangladesh's humanitarian contribution, Touhid drew attention to the country's continued hosting of 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, noting the immense socio-economic and environmental burden it imposes. "We urge the international community to deploy every means to ensure their early return to their own country, Myanmar, and relieve Bangladesh of this huge burden," he urged. He also reiterated Bangladesh's firm support for the Palestinian people, denouncing "horrific violence and systematic mass killings" and calling for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital. Reiterating Bangladesh's long-standing position against nuclear proliferation, the foreign adviser said that in a world scarred by conflicts, complete disarmament is indispensable.  "We strongly underscore the need for total elimination of nuclear weapons. The vast resources invested in weapons could be far better spent on health, education and social safety of our people in the developing world," he observed.  He further rejected unilateral coercive measures imposed outside the UN framework, describing them as violations of international law that "obstruct development and erode trust in multilateralism." Touhid urged NAM members to stand united to safeguard their common interests and advance collective prosperity. "If we are to realize shared prosperity, we must ensure that no one and no country is left behind. If we are to build a secured world, we must remember that no one is safe until everyone is safe," he said. Underscoring NAM's continuing relevance, Touhid said the principles first enshrined in Bandung and Belgrade remain "as relevant today here at Kampala" in addressing global challenges ranging from conflicts and climate change to economic inequality. "Respect for sovereignty, equality, non-intervention, peaceful settlement, solidarity and justice are the bedrocks of the future we seek," he said. "Without realizing these, shared prosperity will remain elusive." The adviser stressed that NAM unity is critical to navigating a world marked by "growing fragmentation and mistrust," adding that reforms within the United Nations must be complemented by efforts to streamline NAM's decision-making and strengthen its collective voice. Concluding his address, he reaffirmed Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to NAM's enduring ideals of equality, solidarity, and justice, and its determination to "build a just, peaceful and prosperous world for present and future generations." Themed "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," the three-day ministering meeting is reviewing progress on action points adopted by heads of state at the NAM Summit held earlier in 2024. Established in 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement remains the world's largest group of nations outside formal military or political blocs, currently comprising 120 member states. Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship for four years in 2024 under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, ushering in a renewed phase of South-South cooperation.
১৫ অক্টোবর, ২০২৫
WHO sends Saima Wazed on indefinite leave: Health Policy Watch
HRW criticises crackdown on AL supporters, urges justice for abuses
Amnesty expresses concern over Meghna Alam's detention

'No plan to ban Awami League'

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladeshi courts. He said the government has not ruled out referring AL leaders to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, following a UN fact-finding mission that reported potential crimes during the July uprising. "It is very much on the table." Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by its President Comfort Ero at the state guest house Jamuna yesterday, the chief adviser said the interim government has vowed to hold elections on schedule, and not delay the vote for any demands. He also confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections. He assured the group the dates would not change, said a press release from the chief adviser's press wing. Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to polls, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. "We have no reason to change the election dates," he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair. He also shared that the Consensus Building Commission began talks with political parties yesterday. He said there are plans to finalise and sign the July Charter, which will guide the government's policies. The International Crisis Group officials praised the arrest of Rohingya insurgent leader Ataullah this week, calling it a sign of the government's commitment to peace and stability in the refugee camps. They also stressed the need for increased engagement with the Arakan Army, which controls much of Rakhine state in Myanmar. Prof Yunus noted that Dhaka is working to mobilise aid for Rohingya refugees and hopes the upcoming special UN conference on the Rohingya crisis will draw global attention to the issue. Ero expressed her group's support for Bangladesh in countering misinformation targeting the country and its government. Prof Yunus concluded by expressing Bangladesh's desire for strong relations with India, though he lamented that much of the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh has originated from Indian media.

Toby Cadman urges govt to refer July massacre case to the ICC

Toby Cadman today urged the government to refer the cases of the July-August massacres to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, said a CA press wing release. Cadman is the Special Advisor to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor and has extensive experience as an international criminal law specialist. He has worked on cases in Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine.  He made the suggestion when he called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. According to the press release, the issue of how Dhaka would involve the International Criminal Court in The Hague was also brought up and discussed during this meeting. The discussions delved into the potential for international cooperation and the roles and responsibilities of the court in Bangladesh's quest for justice. The meeting began with a detailed discussion on the progress and challenges faced by the International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal has the task of addressing the atrocities committed during the previous regime of Sheikh Hasina, especially during the student-led uprising in July-August 2024. In the meeting between Cadman and Yunus, a number of topics were discussed concerning the applicable legal framework and the need to break from the past. Cadman, who is also the head of G37 Chambers, suggested amendments to the ICT legal and regulatory framework, including changing the name of the tribunal "to demonstrate a clear departure from the previous autocratic regime." According to the press release, it was noted in the meeting that due to certain absconding accused being shielded by foreign states, cooperation with the International Criminal Court under the principles of complementarity is required, and the two institutions should work closely together to ensure that the perpetrators are held fully accountable. The issue of the death penalty and the incorporation of procedural rules of evidence to ensure the highest standards of fair trial and due process were also discussed during the meeting. Professor Yunus expressed appreciation for the work of the ICT Prosecution team, saying they must uphold the highest international standards to ensure a fair trial and justice. The Chief Adviser also said Bangladesh would soon decide whether it would refer the July atrocities to the Hague-based ICC since the UN fact-finding mission last month reported that potential crimes against humanity were committed during the uprising. "It is important that the world should know who ordered the massacres of 1,400 students, protesters, and workers during the July uprising and who were the main perpetrators. The UN fact-finding mission has done a splendid job by unmasking the real face of the (Sheikh Hasina) regime. Now we must hold the culprits to account and serve justice," he said. The issue of providing full resources to the tribunal and the prosecution was discussed to ensure that witnesses are protected, the accused receive all fundamental rights necessary for fair trials, and that the public has full and transparent access to the process. Another major point of discussion was the seizure of stolen assets by the previous regime, and the legal and procedural measures needed to recover and repatriate these assets. At the end of the meeting, Professor Yunus presented Cadman with a copy of the book "Art of Triumph: Graffiti of Bangladesh's New Dawn."

Bangladesh to Investigate Appointment of WHO Regional Director for South East Asia

As Bangladesh presses for its former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to be extradited to face charges of human rights abuses, her daughter, the World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for South East Asia (SEARO), is also under scrutiny. Saima Wazed was elected to the WHO position by regional leaders in November 2023 amid allegations that her mother had improperly influenced the election process.  Last August, Hasina fled the country after a revolt against her government following its harsh crackdown on student protests. She is currently in India as is her daughter, who is based at the WHO SEARO office in New Delhi. This week the director of Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), General Akhtar Hossain, confirmed to The Business Standard that his commission’s probe into Hasina would include Wazed’s election.  Hossain told the newspaper that corruption was suspected to be involved in Wazard’s appointment. SEARO has 11 member countries including India and Pakistan, yet only tiny Nepal put up a candidate to contest for the regional director position. In an article published by Health Policy Watch before Wazed’s election by member states, public health specialist Mukesh Kapila noted that her own capability statement “does not reveal the ‘strong technical and public health background and extensive experience in global health’, required by the official criteria for the role”. Neither did she have “the mandatory substantive track record in public health leadership and significant competencies in organisational management”, required by WHO. “But being introduced by her mother at recent high-level summits such as BRICS, ASEAN, G20 and the UN General Assembly to craft deals in exchange for votes may be seen as crossing the fine line between a government’s legitimate lobbying for its candidate and craven nepotism,” Kapila wrote. Wazed is a psychologist with a special interest in autism. Code of conduct The 2024 Executive Board recommended that the code of conduct of all regional directors should be expanded to include provisions on “sexual misconduct and other abusive conduct and a disclosure of interests by candidates”, more stringent reference checks and due diligence review of qualifications and employment history.  It also recommended that nominating member states should “disclose grants or aid funding for candidates” in the two years before their appointment. In response to the news reports that Wazed’s appointment was being investigated, the WHO said: “If there are allegations of wrongdoing by or within a member state in connection with a WHO election campaign, it is appropriate for these to be investigated by the competent national authorities.  We would not comment on such investigations or any consequential legal processes while they are ongoing.” According to Article 52 of the WHO Constitution, regional directors are appointed by the WHO’s Executive Board, “in agreement with the regional committee”. A note from the WHO’s legal counsel flags that, despite a decision by the 2012 World Health Assembly, to implement “a process for the assessment of all candidates’ qualifications”, only the European Region has done so.
Meeting with China, Pak not for alliance building
CA for enhanced regional cooperation to address climate challenges
Touhid calls for collaboration for peace, security, stability in Asia
Sheikh Hasina needs to be PM again: FBCCI
CA returns home after 9-day visit to New York
Bangladesh pledges irreversible reforms, national polls in February: CA
CA arrives in New York to attend 80th UNGA session
CA off to New York to join UNGA
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will leave here for New York tonight to attend the 80th session of the United
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will leave Dhaka on September 22 for New York to attend the 80th session of
Marking the International Youth Day, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations system launched today the design phase of
Regional Consultation on Regenerative Agriculture Kicks Off under SAARC Initiative
The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) has inaugurated a three-day Regional Consultation Meeting titled “Promotion of Regenerative Agriculture in SAARC Member
০৪ আগস্ট, ২০২৫
SAARC Regional Meet Promotes Agroecology in South Asia
Bangladesh becomes BIMSTEC chair for 2yrs
World Bank Vice President for South Asia Region to Visit Bangladesh
IMF keeps Bangladesh’s economic growth forecast almost unchanged
BRICS-backed bank to lend $1b to Bangladesh this year
Most USAID workers to be fired or placed on leave
London-based IGC to partner with BRAC in setting up a data hub in Bangladesh, says its chief

Williamson, Latham punish fumbling Pakistan

Japan coach Moriyasu staying on after WC

Hunger-striking Senegal journalist shifted to hospital

PM opens 1st phase of metro rail today

Polls no later than June 2026

‘Otherwise, people will not forgive us’

Prof Yunus envisions a new nation in conversation with NPR

Bangladesh maintains close ties with all – China, US and India: PM tells CNN

Williamson, Latham punish fumbling Pakistan

Williamson, Latham punish fumbling Pakistan

Japan coach Moriyasu staying on after WC

Hunger-striking Senegal journalist shifted to hospital

PM opens 1st phase of metro rail today

10 killed, 30 injured in hotel-casino fire on Cambodian border