US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today to convey Dhaka's "discontent" over the designated sanctions imposed by the US on some present and former officials of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said imposing ban on others by the USA is arbitrary and ineffective as human rights are violated in the country as well. 

The government has no information on who were killed by Rab, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said today in response to US sanctions on the elite force and seven of its current and former officials.

The Foreign Ministry has summoned US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Earl R Miller, and sought explanation on the US human rights-related sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion and seven current and former top officials of the agency, including Benazir Ahmed, now Inspector General of Police.

A European Parliament member has urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to grant the request from Khaleda Zia’s family and allow her to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to democracy, equality and inclusion.

Describing Bangladesh as a young nation of hope and promise with significant achievements in the last 50 years, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Earl R Miller, has said the country's future success will be fueled by strengthening democratic institutions and governing structures.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin C Rawat who was killed along with his wife and 11 others after an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying them crashed near the Coonoor in Nilgiris district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu today.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam today left for India via Sonamasjid Land Port in Chapainawabganj to join Bangladesh-India Friendship Day celebrations in Kolkata.

Dhaka and New Delhi yesterday discussed new areas for cooperation, including eco-friendly transport systems, especially rail and river-ways, green energy and technology that engage the young adults more.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has underscored that the killing of Bangladesh nationals by the Indian border security forces continued to remain an irritant despite the goodwill and excellent relations between the two countries.

Bangladesh and India will be focusing on eco-friendly transportation and green technologies in the coming days, while taking forward the pending issues in the relationship.

Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, USA’s South and Central Asian Affairs Bureau Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, has said that her country greatly values its partnerships with Bangladesh and India and the two countries will largely drive future growth and prosperity of South Asia.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrived in Dhaka this morning on a two-day visit as India officially announced its President’s state visit to Bangladesh from December 15 to 17.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to make a three-day state visit to Bangladesh, from December 15 to 17, on the occasion of the 50th Victory Day, as per an official announcement by the Indian External Affairs Ministry.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today stressed the need for recommitting to work for strengthening the 50-year-long diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India by concentrating on people-to-people contact, trade, business and connectivity.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen today said he is eagerly waiting for the day when no visa will be required for Bangladeshis and Indians to travel to each other’s countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will work with his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina to further expand and deepen ties between the two countries.

In recognition of the Maitree Diwas, both Bangladesh and Indian governments each year commemorate the invaluable contribution of valiant Muktijuddhas in the journey towards the Liberation of Bangladesh.

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla will visit Bangladesh from December 7 to 8 to discuss bilateral issues, including the preparation of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to join the 50th victory day celebrations here.