United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Wednesday said Bangladesh does not sign any agreement to please its friends, but makes deals based on the country's needs and interests. “We do not sign on any dotted line on any deal that does not suit the interest of the people of Bangladesh,” he said while addressing a programme celebrating a milestone in Bangladesh-European Union relations and the conclusion of discussions on the procurement of Airbus aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Biman, Bangladesh's national flag carrier, signed a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire 10 aircraft. The agreement covers four Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft for long-haul international operations and six Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft for regional operations. It marks a significant milestone in Biman’s fleet modernisation and long-term growth strategy. According to the preliminary roadmap of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the next-generation aircraft are expected to join Biman’s fleet from around 2033. The new aircraft will enhance Biman’s long-haul and regional transport capacity through next-generation fuel-efficient technology. They will also play an important role in strengthening the airline’s route network, improving passenger service standards and enabling Biman to compete more effectively in regional and global aviation markets. Kobir said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, did not sign the Airbus deal to make ambassadors or friends happy, but because it meets Bangladesh's aviation needs. “This government has signed this deal because it meets our aviation needs. Bangladesh does not do deals to please. It does it because it needs it,” he said. The state minister said whenever there is a sound business case based on Bangladesh's needs, the government will not hesitate to do business with Airbus or any other partner in any sphere of the economy. “What we need is a business case,” he said, adding that the government is ready to sign agreements once they are found legally sound. The ceremony was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat. Biman Bangladesh Airlines was represented by Rumee A Hossain, Chairman, Biman Board of Directors, and Kaizer Sohail Ahmed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Airbus was represented by Jürgen Westermeier, President, South Asia. Also present were Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar. European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, German Ambassador Dr Rudiger Lotz, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Sère-Charlet and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga were also present. The state minister congratulated Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the European Union and Airbus on reaching the milestone through positive discussions. “When our national flag carrier invests in the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft available today, it strengthens connectivity and its standing in the world,” he said. The agreement, Kobir said, also reflected the strength of Bangladesh's friendships across Europe, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as with the European Union. Referring to Bangladesh's relations with its European partners, he said these friends had stood by Bangladesh throughout its development journey. The state minister also sought to clarify that Bangladesh's engagement with different countries is guided by its own national interests. “Bangladesh does business on its needs and its interests,” he said. Kobir expressed confidence that there will be more business between Bangladesh and the European Union in the future. “I believe the goodwill between the people of Bangladesh and the European Union will strengthen our partnership further, and I can assure you there is more business to follow,” he said.  

Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Anis Matta paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit at his office on Wednesday. During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed the long-standing and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Indonesia and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. They also expressed their keen interest in exploring avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation in the days ahead. Anis Matta is on an official visit to Bangladesh from October 5 to 9.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday signed an agreement with Airbus to acquire 10 new aircraft -- four A350-900 widebody aircraft for long-haul international operations and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft for regional operations. The aircraft are expected to join Biman’s fleet from around 2033, according to the preliminary roadmap of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft are expected to increase Biman’s long-haul and regional capacity, expand its route network and improve passenger services and competitiveness in regional and global aviation markets. The purchase agreement was signed at a ceremony at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, with Biman represented by Chairman Rumee A Hossain and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kaizer Sohail Ahmed and Airbus by its President for South Asia Jürgen Westermeier. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the ceremony along with Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar. Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, senior government officials, members of the Biman Board and management, diplomats and media representatives were also present. Speaking at the event, Millat said the aircraft acquisition is part of the government’s broader plan to transform Bangladesh into a modern aviation hub. “To achieve this goal, Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet, route network and operational capabilities will be further strengthened, while the airline will move forward with the objective of establishing Biman as a world-class legacy airline,” he said. Biman Chairman Rumee described the planned fleet expansion as a “measured and realistic ambition”, citing Bangladesh’s growing travel market and large global diaspora. Airbus Executive Vice President for Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the combination of the A350 and A321neo will create an effective fleet strategy for Biman, supporting its expansion to new international destinations and helping meet growing demand across its network. “Airbus aircraft will provide Biman with the efficiency, range and versatility required to connect with key global markets while ensuring an enhanced travel experience for passengers,” he said. European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller welcomed the agreement, saying it represented a strategic step in Bangladesh’s growing commercial and investment relations with Europe and supported economic modernisation, safety and value for money. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke also welcomed the agreement, saying it reflected Bangladesh’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub and that the UK remained committed to supporting trade, investment and economic growth in Bangladesh. German Ambassador in Dhaka Rudiger Lotz said the partnership between Biman and Airbus signals growing cooperation between Bangladesh and Europe and could contribute to sustainable development and economic progress. Spanish Ambassador to Bangladesh Gabriel Sistiaga congratulated Biman and Airbus, saying the agreement will benefit Bangladesh’s aviation sector, European aviation industry and the European Union while creating opportunities for further cooperation. Beyond aircraft procurement, Biman and Airbus will continue cooperation in aviation technology, engineering and maintenance, training and capacity building for technical and operational personnel, and environmentally sustainable aviation practices. The fleet modernisation is expected to improve air connectivity for passengers, businesses, tourists and Bangladeshi expatriates while supporting Biman’s efforts to expand its international network.

Seeking a genuine solution to the Rohingya crisis, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday warned that rising crime and insecurity affecting Cox’s Bazar host communities “cannot be allowed to become the new normal.” She said the solution lies in Myanmar and that Bangladesh cannot sustain the crisis indefinitely. The State Minister urged the international community to move from statements of support to actionable and predictable assistance. She addressed the National Policy Dissemination Programme on “Uncertain Return: Rohingya Voices on Repatriation Barriers,” organised by the Department of Criminology and the Criminology Research Forum of the University of Dhaka, as Chief Guest at the Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka.  

The UN Human Rights Council has elected former Bangladeshi diplomat Mohammad Sufiur Rahman to its Advisory Committee as a member representing the Asia-Pacific States. Sufiur served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Offices in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland. He also served as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Australia, Sri Lanka and Ambassador to Myanmar. A career foreign service officer from the 9th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign Affairs cadre), Sufiur held various positions at the Foreign Ministry headquarters and Bangladesh missions in New Delhi, Geneva and Islamabad. He also served as a director at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu and represented Bangladesh at numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings. After retiring from diplomatic service, Sufiur joined the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance at North South University as a senior research fellow. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration at the University of Dhaka.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Wednesday urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to further strengthen its advocacy for the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar. He made the call when Head of the Delegation of the ICRC in Bangladesh Nicolas Fleury met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kobir appreciated the ICRC’s humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, as well as its long-standing engagement in Bangladesh, particularly in promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL), humanitarian assistance, disaster response, capacity-building and emergency support. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the Geneva Conventions and IHL and underscored the important role of the National IHL Committee. The state minister highlighted Bangladesh’s active contribution to promoting IHL globally, including as Co-chair of the “IHL and Peace” workstream under the Global IHL Initiative. He also said the government is considering participation at an appropriate level in the “High-Level Conference on Humanity in War” to be held in Jordan in December 2026. Nicolas Fleury appreciated Bangladesh’s continued cooperation and reaffirmed the ICRC’s readiness to further support IHL capacity-building and humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh. He also expressed commitment to further consolidating the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the ICRC.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Wednesday appreciated Germany’s longstanding engagement and development cooperation with Bangladesh and expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment and education. Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz paid a courtesy call on the State Minister at the Ministry and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador congratulated the State Minister on his recent assumption of office and expressed confidence in further strengthening Bangladesh-Germany relations. The discussions covered a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides also exchanged views on the broadening Bangladesh-EU partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in relevant international fora. Ambassador Lotz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on the early conclusion of a Bangladesh-EU FTA, enhanced cooperation in the aviation sector, and greater trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He highlighted Bangladesh’s post-election stability and noted the growing interest of German companies in the country’s investment-friendly climate. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides expressing confidence that continued high-level engagement would provide further impetus to the longstanding Bangladesh-Germany partnership.

Underscoring the potential to expand cooperation with the Maldives in tourism and fisheries, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat urged for closer collaboration to promote sustainable fisheries, develop tourism and create new avenues for bilateral engagement. The minister made the call while speaking at a chief guest at The Great Tuna Gala in Dhaka, organised by the Maldives High Commission to showcase the country’s sustainable tuna fishery, culinary heritage and tourism opportunities while strengthening trade, business and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and the Maldives. High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed highlighted the close connection between the Maldives and the ocean and the central place fisheries holds in the country’s economy, communities and culture. She spoke about the Maldives’ pole-and-line tuna fishery and the importance of maintaining sustainable fishing practices, and highlighted the potential to expand Maldivian tuna and other fisheries products in the Bangladesh market. The High Commissioner also noted the growing connectivity between the two countries and the opportunities this creates for greater tourism, trade and business engagement.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted by consensus the first-ever resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), titled “Implications of Artificial Intelligence for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights”, with Bangladesh serving as the penholder and playing a leading role in advancing the initiative. During the ongoing 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Bangladesh joined fellow Core Group members Algeria, Austria, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait and Nepal in steering the initiative on AI and human rights. Guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, the initiative was first presented before the Council in August 2026 by former Ambassador and Permanent Representative Nahida Sobhan on behalf of the Core Group. Since then, the Core Group has pursued an open, inclusive and constructive process of engagement with Member States and relevant stakeholders. The consensus adoption marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Council’s consideration of the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human rights, while keeping human dignity, development, inclusion and international cooperation at the centre. It also reflects Bangladesh’s growing and constructive role in shaping international discussions at the intersection of emerging technologies, development and human rights, and its growing contribution to multilateral diplomacy. Bangladesh underscored that continued constructive engagement and cooperation among Member States and stakeholders will remain essential as the initiative moves forward.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, who flew home on Monday, sat with Indian Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth in New Delhi on Tuesday. The interaction focussed on issues of Bangladesh-India bilateral cooperation and measures for strengthening defence ties, said the Indian Army. The government of India appointed Dhiraj Seth as Chief of the Army Staff with effect from June 30, 2026. Earlier in the day, Trivedi met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, in what was seen as further consultations amid efforts by both sides to take forward bilateral relations in a positive and constructive manner.