Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh received Mr. Alberto Bocanegra, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The State Minister expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the IFRC, recalling its invaluable humanitarian support since the Liberation War of 1971. She commended IFRC’s prompt response to natural catastrophes, the COVID-19 pandemic and its initiatives in community-based disaster management. She emphasized the importance of harnessing youth volunteerism in disaster preparedness, particularly in early cyclone warning systems and community evacuation efforts. The State Minister also thanked IFRC and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for their continued contributions to the Rohingya humanitarian response, including healthcare delivery and the provision of safe drinking water in Cox’s Bazar. She encouraged IFRC to explore suitable humanitarian engagement modalities in Bhasan Char to further enhance assistance efforts. Mr. Bocanegra reaffirmed IFRC’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen effective humanitarian action. He expressed his interest in working with the Government of Bangladesh to support ongoing efforts to contain and respond to the measles outbreak. He also conveyed IFRC’s readiness to assist the Government in scaling up capacity-building initiatives, enhancing disaster response mechanisms and advancing community resilience programmes in Bangladesh.

Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Shama Obaed Islam, MP met Rt. Hon. Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh yesterday over a dinner hosted by the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, H.E. Sarah Cooke. During their interactions, they reiterated their commitment to continue working to strengthen and deepen the Bangladesh-UK bilateral partnership.

#Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Pranay Verma pays a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Prime Minister of #Bangladesh @trahmanbnp today. During the meeting, bilateral issues of mutual interest, including trade, connectivity, technology, energy, socio-economic development, women’s empowerment and cultural cooperation, were discussed.🇧🇩🇮🇳

US Ambassador in Dhaka H.E. Mr. Brent T Christensen pays a courtesy call on the Hon'ble Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman today. Both sides discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests, including trade & investment, energy security, technology, development cooperation and humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya.

Ivo Freijsen, #UNHCR Country Representative met Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, at her office today. The State Minister welcomed him and expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s continued support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas, particularly for its lead role under the Rohingya Response Plan. The State Minister underlined that the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only viable solution to the crisis. Bangladesh will continue to work with UNHCR and other partners to identify practical pathways while sustaining humanitarian assistance in both Bhasan Char and Coxs Bazar. In view of existing funding shortfalls, the State Minister called upon #UNHCR to maintain its ongoing efforts to address the most pressing #humanitarian needs, including food, medicine, water and sanitation and education under the Joint Response Plan (JRP). They both agreed to collaborate in keeping the international community’s attention focused on this issue of critical importance. Mr. Freijsen expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s generosity in hosting a large number of Rohingyas over the years and reaffirmed UNHCR’s steadfast commitment to supporting Bangladesh in this humanitarian crisis.

The Chargé d’Affaires of Singapore, Mr. Mitchel Lee, called on Hon’ble State Minister H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP. They discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and human resources, and expressed optimism about new employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in #Singapore.

Ambassador of France to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Shama Obaed Islam, Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon. The Ambassador warmly congratulated the State Minister on her recent assumption of duties and expressed optimism that bilateral relations between #Bangladesh and #France would be further strengthened during her tenure. The State Minister acknowledged France’s longstanding development cooperation with Bangladesh across diverse sectors. The discussions explored avenues for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, climate action, culture, women empowerment, sustainable development, education and skills development, connectivity, migration, and global peace and security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, restraint, and respect for international law for maintaining peace, stability and security across the world. The State Minister further expressed Bangladesh’s interest in exploring additional opportunities to deepen trade and investment relations with the European Union within the framework of existing arrangements and cooperation mechanisms, with a view to sustaining the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exports in the EU market. The State Minister sought France’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the upcoming Presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly for the term 2026-2027. Ambassador Séré‑Charlet reaffirmed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh to advance the shared vision of peace, prosperity, and progress.

The Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh, H.E. Ms. Listyowati paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, Hon’ble Minister of State for Foreign Affairs today. They discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and connectivity, and reviewed progress in the Bangladesh–Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations. Bangladesh also sought Indonesia’s support for its bid to become an #ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen relations as the two countries approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, His Excellency Mohd Shuhada Othman, paid a maiden courtesy call on the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and skilled manpower. The State Minister also sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of #ASEAN.

Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh H.E. Thitiporn Chirasawadi paid a maiden courtesy call on the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. Both sides discussed strengthening bilateral ties, expanding trade, tourism, and labour cooperation, and enhancing collaboration under #ASEAN and #BIMSTEC.

Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh H.E. Nina Padilla Cainglet paid a maiden courtesy call on Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. Both sides reaffirmed strong ties and discussed cooperation in skills development, labour mobility, health, ICT, education, and seafarers’ training, along with trade and investment opportunities and pending bilateral instruments.

#Canadian High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Ajit Singh pays a courtesy call on the Hon'ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP. Both sides stressed on sustained #partnership and continued #collaboration on various aspects of bilateral relations. 09 March 2026, MoFA

Bangladesh strengthens ties with Argentina 🇧🇩🤝🇦🇷 Argentine Ambassador Marcelo CESA called on HFM Dr. Khalilur Rahman and HSM Shama Obaed Islam on 4 March 2026. Discussions focused on launching a multi-sectoral dialogue, enhancing trade and energy cooperation, promoting youth and women’s football, expanding cultural exchanges, and cooperation at the UNGA. #Bangladesh #Argentina #Diplomacy #Trade #WomenInSports

US Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur, meets Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at #MOFA on 4 March 2026. Discusses bilateral issues and shared priorities during his 2-day visit

🇬🇧HC Sarah Cooke called on 🇧🇩FM Dr. Khalilur Rahman today. Enhancing cooperation in education, migration, security, Rohingya, P2P contact & 🇧🇩 candidature for Presidency of 81st UNGA were discussed.