United News of Bangladesh

French Special Envoy for Myanmar Christian Lechervy on Wednesday reaffirmed France's commitment to engaging with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate a sustainable solution, emphasising  the importance of addressing humanitarian needs on both sides of the border. Ambassador Lechervy met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. Their discussions focused on the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the protracted Rohingya crisis, including early repatriation and the decreasing trend of humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya people, said the ministry. The foreign secretary conveyed thanks to the French government and the European Union for their continued support for the Rohingya issues. He also expressed appreciation to the French government for assigning Lechervy as a special envoy for Myanmar. Dhaka expects time-bound outcomes from conference on Rohingya in US The FS sought Ambassador Lechervy's support in mobilising the international community to ensure early and sustainable repatriation. Highlighting the decreasing trend of financial commitments under the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingyas and the complexities faced by Bangladesh due to the protracted stay of FDMNs/Rohingyas, the Foreign Secretary requested France's cooperation in securing additional funds from the EU and global partners. He underscored that Bangladesh bears a significant burden, requiring greater international support. The special envoy also emphasised the upcoming high-level conference on Rohingya issues in September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said no matter who leads Bangladesh, China will continue to increase trade and investment in the country, supporting its sustainable development and the improvement of people's livelihoods. Speaking at a seminar in the capital, he said a sound investment environment requires institutional safeguards and hoped that Bangladesh will work with China towards the same direction to expedite the launch of negotiations on upgrading the Bangladesh-China bilateral investment treaty and Free Trade Agreement (FTI) between the two countries. He said these efforts will help further bolster the confidence and determination of Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh. “We sincerely hope that our Bangladeshi friends will take it seriously and act promptly,” said Ambassador Yao while speaking at the seminar. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, who spoke at the seminar, said they have a tendency of promising things nut not delivering. “But in the government, we are trying to change that attitude and culture. Hopefully, you will see significant improvement,” he said. Beijing working with Dhaka, Islamabad to follow up “concrete cooperation”: Ambassador Yao   The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) hosted the seminar titled ‘China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation’ where ‘Industry Reports’ by the CEAB was released. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, along with representatives from the concerned agencies and departments of the Bangladesh government and business leaders from both countries were present. He said China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to follow the strategic guidance of the two leaders’ important consensus, take the Golden Jubilee as a new starting point, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, promote the integration of industrial and supply chains as well as investment and trade. “Together, we can elevate our economic and trade relations to new heights, and further contribute to the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” he said. The conference featured in-depth research reports from specialised branches of CEAB, covering power and energy, roads and bridges, harbor, textile and garments, trade and services, railway and civil aviation, information and communication technology and water and environment. These reports aim to identify market trends, investment opportunities and challenges, facilitating collaboration between Bangladeshi and Chinese enterprises under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Ambassador Yao said with the joint efforts of both countries, Chinese enterprises will continue to thrive in Bangladesh and contribute to its economic and social development as well as the improvement of people's livelihoods. At Bangladesh’s current stage of development, he said, improving the business environment is crucial for fostering an open economy and achieving steady and sustainable development. “Now, Bangladesh is also at a critical juncture of transformation and industrial upgrading. Under the able leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the economy keeps stabilising and improving, and the business environment is steadily enhancing, making the country emerge as a new investment hotspot in South Asia,” Ambassador Yao said. Since Chinese enterprises constitute the largest group of foreign investors in Bangladesh, he said, it would be invaluable for the Bangladeshi friends to hear from their experiences and suggestions, which originate from their long-term operations here and are reflected in these ten reports. “They crystallise the collective wisdom of Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh. I believe that they will serve as an important reference for the ongoing economic reforms in Bangladesh,” the Ambassador said. In the first quarter of this year, Chinese investment in Bangladesh surged by 3.7 times. Since last August, nearly 20 Chinese companies have signed investment agreements with Bangladeshi partners, with a total intended investment exceeding US$400 million. China has become the largest source of foreign direct investment in Bangladesh since the interim government took office. The Chattogram Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone is about to start construction. The cooperation documents for the Chinese Agrivoltaics Economic Zone at Baherchar Island have been signed, and the China-Bangladesh Mongla Port Economic Zone is progressing steadily, the Ambassador said. He said China not only supports the current interim government but also has full confidence in Bangladesh’s future elected government.

Referring to the US-imposed tariffs, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said Bangladesh and China need to work to safeguard the WTO (World Trade Organization) rules and multilateral trade regime. “That (WTO rules) is the centre to protect our common interest,” he said, adding that they support all the measures taken by Bangladesh to safeguard their legitimate interests. The Ambassador made the remarks while responding to a question after attending a seminar in the capital. WTO is the only international organisation dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The fundamental goal of the WTO, as set out in its founding agreement, is to use trade as a means to improve people's living standards, create better jobs and promote sustainable development. Beijing working with Dhaka, Islamabad to follow up “concrete cooperation”: Ambassador Yao   The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) hosted a seminar titled ‘China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation’, during which it released its ‘Industry Reports’. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, along with representatives from the agencies concerned and departments of the Bangladesh government and business leaders from both countries were present. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said Bangladesh hopes to build on the progress made during the first round of fruitful negotiations with the United States, as the second round of talks on the tariff issue is set to begin in Washington DC today (Wednesday). The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade, commodity and direct investment policy and overseeing negotiations with other countries. Starting on August 1, 2025, US President Donald Trump said they will charge Bangladesh a tariff of only 35% on any and all Bangladeshi products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs.

Describing the recently held tripartite meeting as an effort to have “concrete cooperation” in certain areas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said they are working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to follow up and implement the consensus they reached.  “We have already identified 12 areas for concrete cooperation including industry, trade, education, environment protection, water resources. There will be some follow up and we are working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to follow up and implement this consensus,” he told reporters after attending a seminar in the capital. Ambassador Yao said the meeting, held recently in Kunming, was part of an initiative to have their cooperation to improve economic development and livelihoods of all there countries – Bangladesh, China and Pakistan. “We are in a very critical moment. There are lots of things we can work together. I see this for the common interests of the three countries,” said the Chinese Ambassador. He stressed that the principle of cooperation is to remain open, maintain transparency and ensure mutual benefits. “Our cooperation is based on mutual trust. It is open and transparent process. It does not target any third country. That is the message to convey,” said Ambassador Yao. The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) hosted the seminar on ‘China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation’ where ‘Industry Reports’ by the CEAB was released. Bangladesh, Mexico celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with landmark illuminations in Mexico City Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, along with representatives from the concerned agencies and departments of the Bangladesh government and business leaders from both countries were present. Earlier, Bangladesh, China and Pakistan identified several areas for deeper cooperation including infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, maritime affairs, ICT, disaster preparedness and climate change issues. Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held the "informal trilateral meeting" on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting in Kunming on June 19. June 26, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain ruled out any new alliance among Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, and stressed that it was not done targeting Bangladesh’s neighbouring country – India. Foreign Affairs Adviser off to Malaysia to attend ASEAN Regional Forum   “We are not forming any alliance. It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level…. there was no element of formation of any alliance,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question last month. Asked whether the meeting was aimed at making India cornered, Adviser Hossain said it is certainly not targeting a third-party. “I can assure you.”

Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations with Mexico, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, highlighting the potential for strengthened cooperation through joint efforts. Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the iconic Revolution Monument in Mexico City on July 8, Ambassador Ansarey emphasised the importance of expanding trade and investment as well as fostering closer people-to-people connections to deepen the partnership between the two nations. “Over the past five decades, Bangladesh-Mexico relations have grown significantly across the fields of economy, culture, and education. The most remarkable achievement has been the deepening friendship and cooperation between the peoples of our two countries,” said the Ambassador. Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Mexico were officially established on July 8, 1975, just four years after Bangladesh’s independence. Both nations recognise 2025 as a landmark year, the golden jubilee of their diplomatic partnership, which presents new opportunities for enhanced collaboration. Kosovo Ambassador welcomes Grameen delegation at Dhaka embassy To mark the occasion, several prominent landmarks in Mexico City—including the Petroleros Fountain, Diana the Huntress, the Angel of Independence, the Cuauhtémoc Monument, the Revolution Monument, and buildings surrounding the Zócalo—were illuminated in the colors of the Bangladeshi national flag. The initiative was organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in cooperation with the Mexico City authorities, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. The celebration was attended by the Director General of the Mexico City Government, officials from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassy staff, and members of the Bangladeshi community in Mexico.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday left Dhaka for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Adviser Hossain, who left Dhaka this (Wednesday) noon, is scheduled to return home July 12, said a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 32nd ARF will be held on July 10-11, and the Foreign Adviser is scheduled to return home on July 12, the official told UNB. Prof Yunus seeks Mahathir’s support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership Bangladesh is one of the partners of the multilateral security forum, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF). A forum of diverse nations, ARF’s aim is to maintain peace and security in the Asia Pacific region through the process of dialogues and consultations. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain to attend ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia  Bangladesh was officially admitted to this forum at the inaugural session of the thirteenth Annual Ministerial Meeting of ARF partners, held in Kuala Lumpur on July 28, 2006. The twenty-sixth ASEAN ministerial meeting and post ministerial conference, which were held in Singapore on July 23-25, 1993, agreed to establish the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The inaugural meeting of the ARF was held in Bangkok on July 25, 1994.

Bangladesh hopes to build on the progress made during the first round of fruitful negotiations with the United States, as the second round of talks on the tariff issue is set to begin in Washington DC today (Wednesday). "Bangladesh hopes to build on the progress made during the first round of fruitful negotiations on 27th June and conclude the agreement expeditiously," said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade, commodity and direct investment policy and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the US Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues. The USTR has invited Bangladesh to the second round of negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Tariff during July 9-11, 2025. "Bangladesh is among the first countries to restart negotiations following the issuance of President Trump's letter to leaders of 14 countries on July 7," Alam said. Trump announces 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods, to be effective Aug. 1 Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, who is leading the Bangladesh delegation, will participate in person in Washington DC while National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman will join virtually from Dhaka, said the Press Secretary.  Senior officials, including the Commerce Secretary and an Additional Commerce Secretary, have arrived in Washington DC to join the talks. US President Donald Trump in his letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "We look forward to working with you as your trading partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed trading markets to the United States, and eliminate your tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter." Trump said these tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on their relationship with Bangladesh. "You will never be disappointed with the United States of America," President Trump wrote to Prof Yunus. Starting on August 1, 2025, the US President said they will charge Bangladesh a tariff of only 35% on any and all Bangladeshi products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs. "Please understand that the 35% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country. As you are aware, there will be no tariff if Bangladesh, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks," Trump said. Trump to put 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, new import taxes on five other nations The White House in its factsheets said President Trump is the best trade negotiator in history. “His strategy has focused on addressing systemic imbalances in our tariff rates that have tilted the playing field in favor of our trading partners for decades.” The White House said countries that are not serious about addressing the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that impede American exports and harm American workers, farmers and businesses are facing the consequences. On July 7, President Trump signed an Executive Order determining that certain tariff rates, which were initially set to expire on July 9, will expire on August 1, 2025. President Trump has sent tariff notification letters to multiple countries, informing them of new reciprocal tariff rates set to take effect on August 1. The US President may send more letters in the coming days and weeks. Asian shares mostly down as Trump’s tariff deadline nears The countries he sent letters include: Bangladesh (35%), Japan (25%), Korea (25%), South Africa (30%), Kazakhstan (25%), Laos (40%), Malaysia (25%), Myanmar (40%), Tunisia (25%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%), Indonesia (32%), Serbia (35%), Cambodia (36%) and Thailand (36%).

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal on Tuesday welcomed and hosted a group of climate change activists, including researchers, academics, scholars, and youth delegates. They attended the “International Climate Camp 2025: Symposium on Climate Change in South Asia” in Nepal and exchanged knowledge in a session titled, ''Lessons learned in the Climate Camp 2025 in Nepal.'' Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the delegation and graced the event as the chair, said a press release. Kosovo Ambassador welcomes Grameen delegation at Dhaka embassy Eminent water and climate expert and former VC of BRAC University Prof. Dr. Ainun Nishat, Additional Secretary of Economic Relations Division of Bangladesh, Vice Chancellor of Stamford University of Bangladesh, distinguished academicians from various private universities and climate activists participated in the concluding session. Some academia from Nepal, civil society members, and climate activists were also present during the session.

Ambassador of Kosovo to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllans on Tuesday welcomed a delegation from Grameen Group and Grameen Trust, including former project leaders of Grameen Kosovo, at the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Dhaka. The Ambassador acknowledged their contributions as instrumental in building a lasting bridge of cooperation and solidarity between the people of Bangladesh and Kosovo. He expressed his sincere gratitude for Grameen’s longstanding friendship and its impactful role in Kosovo’s post-war recovery and extended his deep appreciation to each individual present. Principal Coordinator of SDGs Affairs at the Chief Adviser’s Office Lamiya Morshed, who played a pivotal role in the early phases of Grameen Kosovo’s journey in 2000, and Chairman of Grameen Group Ashraful Hassan, along with his colleagues, who were instrumental during the formative years of Grameen Kosovo, were part of the delegation. KOICA, RHD launch smart maintenance technologies for bridges in Bangladesh During the meeting, the delegation shared reflections on their experiences in post-war Kosovo, where they contributed to the country’s recovery and development through microcredit and grassroots social business initiatives, said the Embassy. The discussion focused on revitalising cooperation in social business, vocational education, and digital health. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of expanding this collaboration in support of inclusive growth and shared development goals, guided by Prof Muhammad Yunus’ groundbreaking vision of the “Three Zeros” philosophy—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), has officially launched the ‘Capacity Development of Smart Maintenance Technology of Bridges under RHD’ project. This USD 8.85 million initiative aims to modernise bridge maintenance systems through the integration of advanced digital technologies, ensuring safer, smarter and more sustainable infrastructure across Bangladesh. As both nations look to the future, KOICA said, this initiative stands as a shining example of how shared knowledge and strategic collaboration pave the way toward shared prosperity. In a remarkable step towards enhancing infrastructure resilience and strengthening bilateral ties, the government of Bangladesh and KOICA marked the launch of this milestone project at a ceremony in Dhaka. “This is more than just a project -- it’s a commitment to shared progress. We are proud to support Bangladesh in adopting smart, sustainable infrastructure solutions. By transferring Korea’s expertise in bridge safety management, we are working together to protect lives, strengthen institutions and contribute to the country’s vision of a Smart Bangladesh,” said Taeyoung Kim, Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh. BIMSTEC report underscores urgent need to harmonise regional efforts against natural disasters Fully funded by KOICA, the project introduces cutting-edge Korean technologies to RHD, including real-time bridge monitoring systems, advanced inspection equipment and capacity-building programs for engineers and technical staff. These tools are designed to improve operational efficiency, extend infrastructure lifespan and reduce maintenance-related risks and costs. This initiative represents a new chapter in the three-decade-long development partnership between Korea and Bangladesh spanning vital sectors such as education, ICT, health and infrastructure, KOICA said. It also underscores KOICA’s commitment to supporting sustainable development through innovation, knowledge-sharing and people-centered cooperation. South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik, senior officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Planning Commission, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD), and the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) were present.