Message of the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the United Nations Day

Bangladesh strongly condemns the Houthi attacks in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including Dammam airport causing casualties and injuries, including two Bangladeshis. Bangladesh expresses its heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and solidarity with the Saudi Government and people. It also calls for an immediate cessation of all attacks and peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, met Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Foreign Minister of Algeria, in Algiers today. Discussions focused on strengthening 🇧🇩🇩🇿 cooperation in energy, fertilizers, agriculture, textiles, trade, education and people-to-people contacts, following the signing of an MoU on hydrocarbons. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer ties through high-level visits and regular consultations. #Bangladesh #Algeria #BilateralRelations

H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs addressing the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers as the leader of Bangladesh delegation, called for a stronger, mordenized and dynamic OIC to address the challenges before the entire Muslim Ummah. The pledge has been made at the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), currently being held in Baghdad, Iraq. #OICCFMBaghdad

State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir had a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan H. E. Jeyhun Bayramov today in Baku, Azerbaijan. H.E. M Amanul Haq, Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkiye with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Azerbaijan accompanied the State Minister to the meeting. The two Ministers discussed advancing bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Azerbaijan in diverse sectors including cooperation in air connectivity, skilled migration and energy supply. While referring Bangladesh as one of the important partners, the Azerbaijan Foreign Minister expressed optimism to advance the relations with further momentum in coming days and also thanked the State Minister for attending the CICA summit. State Minister also expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister for the support to evacuate Bangladeshi stranded nationals from Iran amidst the ongoing conflict. #Bangladesh #Azerbaijan #Bilateralrelations

Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, skills development, and employment during three meetings in Bishkek on 14 October, held by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam on the sidelines of the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). Discussions with Kyrgyz officials covered trade and investment, cotton, textiles, RMG, pharmaceuticals, market access, private-sector engagement, and agreements on investment protection and double taxation. Both sides explored employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in construction, textiles, pharmaceuticals, digital services, agriculture, and teaching, alongside enhanced government-to-government cooperation. Education talks focused on student exchanges, joint research, publications, scholarships, and visa facilitation. Kyrgyzstan indicated plans to increase scholarships for Bangladeshi students and facilitate transfers between educational institutions. Both sides also expressed interest in further exchanges and high-level visits to strengthen bilateral relations. #Bangladesh #Kyrgyzstan #Bilateralrelations

The 3rd Round of Bangladesh–Kenya Foreign Office Consultations was held in Dhaka today in a warm and constructive atmosphere. Both sides reviewed bilateral ties and discussed cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, ICT, defence, climate change, the blue economy, culture and more. They agreed to promote trade and investment, encourage high-level visits, and strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums, including the UN, Commonwealth and IORA. The 4th round is expected to be held in Nairobi in October 2028. #Bangladesh #Kenya #BilateralRelations

Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan held the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Bishkek on 13 October 2026. Both sides signed MoUs on cooperation between their Foreign Service Academies and a 2026–2027 Programme of Action. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, textiles, pharmaceuticals, education, IT, employment, tourism and cultural exchanges, while promoting private-sector partnerships and people-to-people contacts. Both countries reaffirmed mutual support in international forums, including the UN and OIC, and agreed to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam also met Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation, Bangladesh’s UN candidatures and Rohingya repatriation. The two sides agreed to hold the 3rd FOC in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time.

H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Zafer Abiyah, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs today. The State Minister expressed Bangladesh’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of recent attacks, conveyed condolences over the loss of lives, and called for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. She sought Saudi Arabia’s assistance in expediting the repatriation of the mortal remains of two Bangladeshi nationals and expressed appreciation for the care provided to injured Bangladeshis. The Ambassador thanked Bangladesh for its solidarity and support.

Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Saidani paid a call on H.E. Mr. Humaium Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The Ambassador congratulated him onassuming office. Both sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation inenergy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals,agriculture, fertilizer, shipbuilding, maritimeshipping lines, and people-to-peoplecontacts. The State Minister emphasizedenergy and food security and highlightedthe importance of high-level visits. The Ambassador expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation in these areas to further deepen the longstanding friendshipand partnership between the two countries.

Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade andDevelopment Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsmapaid a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s StateMinister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobirat the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DutchAmbassador Joris van Bommel also attended. Both sides expressed interest in strengtheningeconomic ties through trade and investmentin shipbuilding, maritime infrastructure,textiles, semiconductors, water managementand agricultural supply chains. Theydiscussed upcoming Dutch trade missionsand opportunities to deepen the strategicpartnership over the next 50 years. The State Minister sought Dutch supportfor extending Bangladesh’s LDC graduationtimeline and advancing Bangladesh–EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations,citing global crises. Both sides reaffirmed longstandingcooperation in water management, includingdelta management and canal excavation,amid climate change. They also discussed the Rohingya crisis, migration, qualitygovernance, UN reform and multilateralcooperation, including Bangladesh’spresidency of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Bangladesh strongly and unequivocally condemns the deadly Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October 2026, which resulted in casualties, including the tragic loss of two Bangladeshi nationals, and left numerous others injured, many of them critically. Bangladesh mission in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities to obtain details of the deceased and injured Bangladeshis and to facilitate necessary assistance to those affected. Bangladesh extends its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, including the families of the Bangladeshi victims, and prays for the swift and full recovery of all those injured. Attacks endangering civilian lives and targeting civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease immediately. Bangladesh reiterates its firm solidarity with the Government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of this attack. Bangladesh calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, in the interest of regional peace, security and stability.

Bangladesh strongly condemns the recent Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including airports. Such attacks violate international law and threaten innocent lives and regional stability. Bangladesh stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of the Kingdom and calls for an immediate end to these attacks.

US CDA a.i. Eric Geelan called-on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed MP, at the latter’s office today. Issues related to trafficking in persons (and the US annual report on TIP), energy (LPG etc.), education/training (Fulbright Commission) were discussed, among others. The CDA a.i. informed that the US government has decided to increase their support for the Rohingyas. He also requested for Bangladesh’s support in various ensuing elections at the UN and some of its related bodies. He wanted to know about the recent visit of the high-level delegation of Bangladesh to the Silicon Valley.     State Minister Shama Obaed thanked the CDA a.i. for the decision of enhanced US financial support for the Rohingyas. She also assured about giving due consideration to the requests of supporting US candidatures in the elections. She informed that the visit to Silicon Valley, California was successful as there had been numerous fruitful meetings with tech giants and CEO’s of different start-ups and tech companies.

Bangladesh and Lithuania vowed to strengthen bilateral ties during the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s Ambassador Dr. M. Nazrul Islam and Lithuania’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas led their respective delegations. The sides signed an MoU on FOC and discussed expanding political, economic and other areas of cooperation. They proposed reciprocal high-level visits, including by Foreign Ministers. Bangladesh and Lithuania also agreed to jointly celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, highlighting achievements and reaffirming their commitment to stronger friendship and engagement.

Lithuanian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Vidmantas Verbickas called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Lithuania. The State Minister highlighted untapped potential for enhanced trade, economic cooperation, and investment, urging Lithuania to import Bangladeshi readymade garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and leather products. Both sides explored cooperation in ICT, e-governance, FinTech, cybersecurity, e-transportation, AI, and high-tech medical devices. They also discussed employment, human mobility, migration, and visa facilitation for Bangladeshi students, businesspersons, investors, and tourists, as well as Lithuania’s support for Rohingya repatriation. The Ministers emphasized deeper engagement during Lithuania’s EU Presidency in January–June 2027, regional connectivity, the EU-BD Business Forum, and stronger business frameworks. Vice-Minister Verbickas congratulated Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st UN General Assembly.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, today 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. Speaking as Chief Guest, the State Minister highlighted the five urgent priorities set by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at the 81st UNGA, from a credible roadmap for sustainable repatriation to justice, accountability and stronger action against transnational crimes. Drawing on the study’s findings, she said the Rohingyas are not rejecting Myanmar as their home but the conditions that forced them to flee. She called for actionable international support and stressed that the solution lies in Myanmar. “Let the evidence inform policy. Let the voices of the Rohingyas inform diplomacy.” #Rohingya #Repatriation #MoFA #Bangladesh #SafeVoluntaryDignifiedReturn

Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh H.E. Dr. Rüdiger Lotz paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Humaiun Kobir at the Ministry this afternoon. The Ambassador congratulated the State Minister on his recent assumption of office and expressed confidence in further strengthening Bangladesh-Germany relations. The State Minister appreciated Germany’s longstanding development cooperation and expressed interest in expanding bilateral ties in trade and investment, education, skills development, renewable energy, climate action, culture, and migration and mobility. Discussions also covered Bangladesh-EU relations and international issues. Ambassador Lotz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to deepening cooperation, including an early Bangladesh-EU FTA, aviation, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Nations, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said during a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator ad interim Carol Flore-Smereczniak at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kobir appreciated Flore-Smereczniak’s leadership of the UN Country Team in supporting Bangladesh’s development priorities. He briefed her on the Prime Minister’s key engagements during the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week, including his meeting with the UN Secretary-General, and called for stronger coordination among UN agencies and closer alignment of UN programmes with Bangladesh’s Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development (2026–2031). On the Rohingya crisis, Kobir appreciated UN humanitarian assistance and urged continued efforts for their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar, stressing that repatriation remains the only viable solution. Flore-Smereczniak reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Bangladesh.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Anis Matta held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir in Dhaka, discussing the full range of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, energy, health, disaster management, education, consular affairs, and regional and multilateral issues. State Minister Kobir proposed five measures to deepen cooperation: restoring visa-on-arrival facilities for Bangladeshis in Indonesia, increasing Indonesian imports of Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals, procuring Bangladeshi jute bags through a G2G arrangement, opening Indonesia’s market to Bangladeshi potatoes, and establishing institutional cooperation on disaster management. He also emphasized stronger halal cooperation and urged progress toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Vice Minister Matta welcomed the proposals and expressed Indonesia’s interest in upgrading ties to a long-term strategic partnership through priority joint projects over the next five to ten years. He also encouraged exploring direct Dhaka-Jakarta flights. Bangladesh sought Indonesia’s continued support for its ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership and RCEP applications, as well as the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Vice Minister Matta assured Indonesia’s continued support.