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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Chinese Ambassador Meets Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser to Discuss Bilateral Ties

Chinese Ambassador Meets Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser to Discuss Bilateral Ties

Dhaka, July 21, 2025 – Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, met with H.E. Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government, on Monday to discuss the strengthening of China-Bangladesh relations. The meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and addressing issues of mutual interest.

During the talks, both sides engaged in comprehensive discussions, emphasizing the importance of enhancing ties between the two nations. The dialogue covered areas of potential collaboration, including economic partnerships and shared regional concerns.

The meeting underscores the ongoing commitment of China and Bangladesh to foster stronger diplomatic and cooperative relations.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen Addresses National Defence College in Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen Addresses National Defence College in Bangladesh

Dhaka, July 22, 2025 – H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, delivered a lecture at the National Defence College (NDC) of Bangladesh on Tuesday, at the invitation of the institution. The event was attended by Rear Admiral A K M Jakir Hossain, Acting Commandant of NDC, alongside over 100 officers from the Bangladeshi Armed Forces and representatives of foreign militaries.

In his address, Ambassador Yao highlighted the significance of 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He emphasized China's commitment to a security concept rooted in common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable principles, rejecting hegemony, expansion, or spheres of influence. 

Ambassador Yao reiterated China's dedication to fostering an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization. He underscored China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, aimed at building a community with a shared future for mankind. Highlighting the strong ties between China and Bangladesh, he affirmed China’s friendly policy of good-neighborliness and its commitment to advancing bilateral relations. 

He further expressed China’s willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with various sectors in Bangladesh, including the military, to support the country’s development goals.

The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where Ambassador Yao discussed topics such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the "Indo-Pacific Strategy," BRICS, and the Rohingya issue, fostering a lively exchange with the audience.

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Malaysia Introduces Multiple Entry Visa Facility for Bangladeshi Worker

Malaysia Introduces Multiple Entry Visa Facility for Bangladeshi Worker

The Malaysian government has introduced a multiple entry visa (MEV) facility for Bangladeshi workers, easing travel restrictions for expatriates, according to Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, it was revealed that during a visit to Malaysia in May, a Bangladeshi delegation led by Dr. Asif Nazrul and Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy for International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, met with Malaysia’s Home Minister to discuss visa-related issues for Bangladeshi workers. Following detailed discussions, the Malaysian government issued a circular on July 10, 2025, formalizing the new visa policy.

Dr. Asif Nazrul stated, “During the meeting, Malaysia’s Home Minister assured a swift resolution to the issue. Since then, officials from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Bangladesh Embassy in Malaysia have maintained constant communication. Finally, on July 10, a circular signed by the Director General of Malaysia Immigration was issued, introducing the multiple entry visa facility for Bangladeshi workers.”
He further clarified that Bangladeshi workers who were issued single entry visas and hold a valid Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS) before the circular do not need to apply for a new multiple entry visa. Their visas will automatically be converted to multiple entry status upon PLKS renewal. Additionally, workers with existing single entry visas and valid PLKS can now travel to and from Malaysia without requiring a new multiple entry visa. Instructions have been issued to all Malaysian international airports and land ports to implement this policy

Dr. Nazrul highlighted the significance of the decision, noting, “Malaysia employs workers from 15 countries, but only Bangladeshi workers were previously issued single entry visas instead of multiple entry visas. This caused significant hardships. The introduction of the multiple entry visa facility w
ill bring relief to Bangladeshi workers.

The move is expected to significantly ease travel for Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia, addressing long-standing challenges faced by the community.
Bangladesh Delegation Visits China to Boost Investment Opportunities

Bangladesh Delegation Visits China to Boost Investment Opportunities

A high-level government delegation from Bangladesh has embarked on a visit to China to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), a press release announced on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Led by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the delegation includes senior officials from BIDA and BEZA, as well as representatives from the banking sector, including HSBC, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Citi NA. Speaking before the departure, Ashik Chowdhury stated, “We have observed significant interest from Chinese investors regarding this visit. We are prepared to provide them with the necessary information and support.” The delegation will participate in multiple meetings in Shanghai and Guangzhou from July 20 to 26. A key highlight of the visit is a business seminar in Shanghai on July 21, jointly organized by BIDA and the Bangladesh Embassy in China. The event is expected to draw over 100 Chinese investors and representatives from sectors such as electronics, textiles, agriculture, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.  
The visit underscores Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with China and promote investment opportunities in key industries. 

Saturday, July 19, 2025

India Claims ‘Substantial’ Visas Being Issued to Bangladeshi Citizens

India Claims ‘Substantial’ Visas Being Issued to Bangladeshi Citizens

New Delhi – India has claimed that it is issuing a “substantial number” of visas to Bangladeshi citizens for various purposes, including medical emergencies and student travel, despite disruptions in visa services since July-August last year. The statement comes in response to reports of significant challenges faced by Bangladeshi citizens in obtaining Indian visas, which had caused widespread inconvenience.

During a regular weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed a question about visa issuance, stating, “We are issuing visas to Bangladesh for various reasons, in substantial numbers.” He elaborated that these include visas for medical issues or emergencies, student travel, “and so on and so forth.” However, Jaiswal did not provide specific figures, noting, “I will have to check and get back to you on the exact number.”

The visa disruptions, which began last year, had significantly impacted Bangladeshi citizens seeking to travel to India, leading to widespread frustration. The MEA’s comments suggest a resumption of visa services, though no detailed data was shared to quantify the extent of issuance. On a separate query regarding recent violence in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, where clashes on Wednesday resulted in at least four deaths and dozens of injuries, Jaiswal refrained from offering a specific reaction. Instead, he stated, “We closely follow developments in our region, take cognizance of them, and take necessary actions accordingly.” The response avoided directly addressing the Gopalganj incident, which involved tensions between law enforcement and Awami League supporters over a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP).
India’s statements reflect its ongoing monitoring of regional developments while emphasizing efforts to maintain bilateral engagement with Bangladesh, including through visa services and other cooperative initiatives.
India Urges Credible, Inclusive Elections in Bangladesh for April 2026

India Urges Credible, Inclusive Elections in Bangladesh for April 2026

New Delhi – India on Thursday reiterated its call for credible, democratic, peaceful, and all-inclusive elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for April 2026, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led uprising in August 2024. During a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s stance, stating, “As a democracy, we would welcome the holding of elections that are inclusive and include everybody in its fold.”

The statement comes in the wake of a recent agreement between Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, and a major political party to hold early elections, a move India has welcomed as a step toward strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. In July, Yunus directed law enforcement agencies to complete preparations by December for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with around 800,000 personnel to be deployed and trained. Additionally, approximately 16,000 vulnerable polling stations across the country will be equipped with CCTV monitoring to ensure peaceful voting, according to United News of Bangladesh (UNB). Jaiswal addressed recent violence in Gopalganj, where clashes between law enforcement and Awami League supporters on Wednesday left at least four dead and dozens injured, sparked by tensions over a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP). “We follow developments in Bangladesh closely and take cognizance of such incidents. We will take action if required,” he said, underscoring India’s commitment to a “positive and constructive partnership” with Bangladesh. Highlighting ongoing bilateral engagements, Jaiswal noted recent high-level meetings, including visits by India’s Foreign Secretary and interactions between the external affairs ministers of both nations. He emphasized cooperation in areas such as India’s High Impact Development Projects (HIDPs), which aim to enhance bilateral ties and promote economic development in Bangladesh. On the upcoming first anniversary of Bangladesh’s interim government, Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s desire for a constructive partnership. He also addressed concerns over the reported demolition of the ancestral home of iconic Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. India expressed “profound regret” over the demolition, noting the property’s cultural significance as belonging to Ray’s grandfather, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury. The MEA offered cooperation for its repair and reconstruction, urging reconsideration of the demolition plan. However, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, asserting that a detailed inquiry confirmed the building in Mymensingh has no historical or familial link to Satyajit Ray or his ancestors. Jaiswal acknowledged the statement, saying, “We have seen the press release issued by the Bangladesh foreign ministry.” On visa matters, Jaiswal confirmed that India continues to issue substantial numbers of visas to Bangladeshi citizens for various purposes, including medical emergencies and education, though exact figures were not provided. India’s statements reflect its close monitoring of developments in Bangladesh and its commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations while supporting democratic processes in the neighboring country.
Bangladesh Ambassador Hails Ousting of Autocratic Regime as Global Triumph

Bangladesh Ambassador Hails Ousting of Autocratic Regime as Global Triumph


Washington, D.C. – Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, declared that Bangladesh has secured a “place of pride” on the global stage by toppling the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina and restoring the people’s rights. He made these remarks during a virtual address at a discussion organized by the non-governmental organization Save Bangladesh in Washington, D.C., on Thursday at 9:00 p.m. local time, marking the anniversary of the historic July mass uprising.

Paying tribute to the martyrs of the July movement, Ambassador Ansarey urged the united front that forced Hasina to flee to remain cohesive in rebuilding Bangladesh’s future. “Freedom-loving students and citizens have brought global recognition to Bangladesh by toppling a dictator like Sheikh Hasina,” he said, noting that leading international media have hailed Bangladesh as a model for reclaiming rights. “We must protect this hard-earned honor at all costs and not allow narrow personal or political interests to undermine a victory achieved through the sacrifices of martyrs.” Addressing recent tensions within the pro-democracy coalition, Ansarey emphasized the need for tolerance, stating, “There is still much to be done to establish democracy, uphold human rights, and bring justice to those responsible for past atrocities.” He warned that division would only serve the interests of “fugitive conspirators and their allies” plotting against Bangladesh from within and beyond its borders. Commending Save Bangladesh, Ansarey highlighted the organization’s efforts in mobilizing diverse communities in the United States through persistent demonstrations at the United Nations and the White House to raise awareness of authoritarianism in Bangladesh. He noted that the group provided U.S. lawmakers with detailed documentation of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, democratic suppression, and voter disenfranchisement. “They even chartered a plane to travel to Bangladesh and voluntarily submitted to arrest as part of a civil disobedience campaign, prompting a swift response from the U.S. government,” he added. Ansarey reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment, under Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, to restoring democratic institutions and ensuring the return of voting rights to the people. The event, attended by over a hundred members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, featured Golam Mortoza, former editor of *Daily Star Bangla* and current Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, as a guest of honor. Reflecting on his experiences during the July uprising, Mortoza urged the community to avoid actions that could undermine national unity. The program was chaired by Zahid Khan and moderated by Kamrun Kona and Syed Saleh Mansur Paras, with speakers including Shahadat Suhrawardy, Kabita Dilawar, Majnu Mia, Tuhin Islam, and Nessar Ahmed, among others.