Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh called for enhanced global efforts to ensure information integrity, combat misinformation and promote inclusive communication at the 48th session of the Committee on Information at United Nations Headquarters in New York today.

Addressing the general debate of the committee that takes place annually at the UN headquarters and deals with global communication, public information, and outreach efforts, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury highlighted the growing challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital platforms, which are fueling divisions and eroding trust across societies. He stressed the need for responsible use of information and communication technologies as well as for bridging the digital divide both between and within countries.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping including the deployment of women peacekeepers, the Permanent Representative called for continued efforts to counter anti-peacekeeping narratives and to promote accountability and environmental responsibility.

Ambassador Chowdhury also drew attention to disinformation-driven crises, including the Rohingya situation in Myanmar and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for accurate information dissemination and increased global awareness. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to strengthening global communication efforts in line with the principles and values of the United Nations.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: Bangladesh called for urgent global action to bridge the widening SDG financing gap and to establish a fair, inclusive and responsive international financial system. At the General debate in ECOSOC Financing for Development Forum 2026 held at the UN Headquarters in New York today, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored that geopolitical conflicts, declining ODA, climate shocks, trade barriers and energy uncertainties were shrinking the policy space for developing countries. In this context, Bangladesh had sought an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition.

The Permanent Representative also highlighted the country’s progress in political and economic recovery with the government focusing on macroeconomic stability, rebuilding business confidence, strengthening the banking sector, promoting investment, and expanding direct support to vulnerable people.

Stressing the need to lower debt costs, avoid inefficient infrastructure-related debt, and channel FDI into productive, job-creating sectors with technology transfer, Ambassador Chowdhury called for a more representative global financial system, climate justice, action on loss and damage, and the return of stolen assets to their rightful owner.

DHAKA – US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has expressed optimism over advancing bilateral relations, saying Washington is working to elevate ties with Dhaka under a clear vision set by President Donald Trump. In a video message, released on today marking 100 days since his arrival, the ambassador said, “After 100 days, I am even more optimistic about the future of US-Bangladesh relations.

“I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish next,” he said.

The envoy noted that Bangladesh and the United States have signed a ‘historic trade agreement’ aimed at balancing the trade deficit and enhancing mutual prosperity. “I have tirelessly advocated for U.S. businesses across Bangladesh to build those trade ties,” he said.

Christensen said the two countries are cooperating to combat illegal migration and strengthen a ‘closer security partnership’ for a free and open Indo-Pacific. “We are combating diseases like tuberculosis and measles through a new health partnership with Bangladesh,” he said.

The envoy said the United States remains the largest donor supporting Bangladesh’s hosting of the Rohingya people and will continue to push for a political solution to the crisis.

Reflecting on his time in Bangladesh, he said he received a warm welcome from the people and enjoyed engaging with the country’s culture, including Pahela Baishakh festivities, cricket, and local cuisine.

“We could not have asked for anything more. I came at an important time, just before Bangladesh’s historic February election,” he said.

He noted that the United States was the first country to recognise the election results and congratulate the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The ambassador said he has worked for over two decades on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region, reaffirming his commitment to advancing American interests and strengthening bilateral ties.

Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on January 15 at Bangabhaban and expressed his eagerness to deepen cooperation. He added that over the past five decades, Bangladesh and the United States have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth, and sovereignty.

DINAJPUR – Bangladesh today has started receiving 5,000 more tonnes of diesel from India through the cross border pipeline, said officials familiar with the process. “Another 5,000 tonnes of diesel has stated coming to Parbatipur Padma Oil depot from India through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline,” Parbatipur Padma Oil depot Manager Md Ahsan Habib Chowdhury said.

He said that the Parbatipur Rail Head depot has started getting the supply since the morning of April 16. According to the ministry, 8,000 tonnes of diesel came to Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh, India on April 14, while 22,000 tonnes of diesel in March. A total of 30,000 tonnes of diesel so far arrived at Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh, India from March to April 14, the sources said.

The depot authorities said that another 7,000 tonnes of diesel will come from Numaligarh Refinery Limited, India, in the next 4 to 5 days. In April Bangladesh will receive a total of 25,000 tonnes of diesel.

“The government is continuing to import diesel from India through pipelines to maintain normal fuel stocks and ensure uninterrupted supply,” said the depot manager. The depot authorities kept the depot open on Friday (holiday) to ensure smooth fuel supply, he said.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: At the 59th Session of the Commission on Population and Development at the UN Headquarters in New York today Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury called for strengthening research and data systems, bridging the digital divide through enhanced international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building, promoting the ethical use of emerging technologies with strong data privacy safeguards, and investing in digital skills particularly for women and youth while delivering its statement.

Highlighting the critical role of technology and research in achieving ICPD objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals, he noted that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks internet access, limiting opportunities in essential services.

In his statement the Ambassador underlined Bangladesh’s progress in reducing maternal mortality, expanding immunization coverage, strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting women’s empowerment and enhancing collaboration with research institutions. He also emphasized the use of digital health solutions, including telemedicine and real-time disease surveillance.

Stressing the importance of investing in youth, skills development and innovation, Ambassador Chowdhury also acknowledged challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and non-communicable diseases as barrier for sustainable development.

Dhaka: Six senior officials from Bangladesh’s leading intelligence agencies are set to visit Washington, D.C., following an official invitation from the United States. The visit is scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 15. According to sources, the delegation includes two officials each from three major agencies: the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the National Security Intelligence (NSI), and the Special Branch (SB). They are expected to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral intelligence cooperation and enhance information sharing on internal and regional security matters. During the visit, discussions will focus on security collaboration, strategic coordination, and exchange of intelligence between the two countries.

The Special Branch representatives reportedly include an Additional Inspector General and a Special Superintendent of Police. However, the identities of officials from the other agencies have not been disclosed. The visit has been approved by Bangladesh’s new government, and analysts believe it could further deepen security ties between Bangladesh and the United States.

DHAKA – The United Kingdom (UK) today expressed interest in participating in ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The interest was shown when UK Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster paid a courtesy call on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

During the meeting, discussions focused on prospects for increased investment in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both sides emphasised strengthening bilateral trade relations and enhancing cooperation in key sectors. The UK trade envoy assured continued support for Bangladesh in implementing the electoral manifesto of the current democratic government.

The minister and state minister expressed their commitment to working jointly with the United Kingdom to further develop the country’s aviation and tourism industries.

Desk Report: A new development has emerged in the widely discussed Bangladesh Bank reserve heist case. As part of a significant step forward in the proceedings, a court in New York has directed former governor Ahsan H. Mansur to provide a deposition. According to the court’s order, he is scheduled to testify on April 10.

This information was revealed in an internal document from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The document states that on March 11, legal representatives involved in the case confirmed the court’s directive via email. They also informed the relevant parties about preparations for the deposition.

According to the document, Mansur has already submitted an affidavit at the court’s request. The next phase requires him to give an in-person deposition. To facilitate this, the legal firms appointed by Bangladesh Bank have arranged preparatory meetings for him on April 6 and April 10.

It has been reported that Mansur departed Dhaka for the United States on April 4. He is expected to travel via Washington, D.C., before arriving in New York. His return to the country is scheduled for April 12.

Sources indicate that a related official has been requested to accompany him on the trip. The BFIU document also notes that all expenses for the visit—including airfare, accommodation, and protocol—will be covered by Bangladesh Bank. He is expected to receive facilities equivalent to those of the current governor, with arrangements coordinated by the governor’s office.

DHAKA – Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said premier’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

DHAKA – A European Union (EU) delegation led by its Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller today met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said premier’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.