A special book handover ceremony was held at the Maldives National University (MNU) to strengthen Bangladesh–Maldives bilateral ties through education, research, and knowledge-based collaboration. On 14 July, the Bangladesh High Commission presented a book titled “Power of Bonding and Non-Western Soft Power Strategy,” authored by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam. MNU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam formally received the book at the university’s seminar hall in the presence of faculty, researchers, diplomats, and community representatives.

In his remarks, Dr. Islam emphasized that university libraries are centers for knowledge creation and intellectual growth. He explained his “Power of Bonding” theory, highlighting mutual trust, respect, and people-to-people connections as the foundation of sustainable international partnerships. He cited Bangladesh–Maldives relations as a successful example, noting cooperation in education, health, trade, tourism, climate action, and human resource development.

MNU’s vice-chancellor praised the initiative, calling the book a valuable addition to the library and expressing interest in expanding academic and research collaboration with Bangladeshi institutions in the future.

The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives has launched several initiatives to ensure an easier, safer, and more affordable remittance system for Bangladeshi migrant workers. On June 23, a key meeting was held at the Bank of Maldives headquarters between Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam and the bank’s CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on migrant welfare, legal remittance flows, and broader economic collaboration between the two countries.

Discussions focused on developing a direct financial transaction channel between the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) and the Bangladeshi taka (BDT) to enable faster and cheaper money transfers. The meeting also explored expanding financial inclusion for Bangladeshi workers, enhancing bilateral banking ties, and establishing potential credit facilities. Both parties emphasized that a sustainable financial cooperation framework could boost trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.

The Bank of Maldives CEO praised the contributions of Bangladeshi workers and expressed a positive stance toward providing effective and user-friendly financial services for them.

The Maldives celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr on Friday, March 20, 2026, in a festive and religious atmosphere aligned with the Arab and Middle Eastern countries. Multiple Eid congregations were held across the islands from 7 a.m. local time, with the largest gathering taking place at the Maafannu Stadium in the capital, Male. Major mosques, including Masjid al-Sultan (Grand Mosque) and Masjid al-Salman, also hosted prayers simultaneously.

Bangladeshi expatriates living in the Maldives joined the celebrations in groups at mosques such as Nurul Miskin, Ibrahim Miskin, and Hukuru Miskin, many wearing traditional attire that added color to the occasion. Bangladeshi-owned restaurants offered special traditional dishes, and expatriates spent the day with family and friends in Male and nearby Hulhumale.

The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives extended Eid greetings to the expatriate community, joined by leaders of the Maldives BNP and various community, business, and social organizations. The event reflected a blend of religious devotion and cultural festivity among the expatriate and local Muslim communities.

Five Bangladeshi nationals were killed in a gas cylinder explosion at a guesthouse of a local construction company on Dhigura Island in the Maldives early Thursday night. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m., leaving two others critically injured. The injured workers were transferred to the capital, Malé, for advanced medical treatment.

According to the Bangladesh High Commission’s Labour Counsellor in the Maldives, one of the injured is being treated in the ICU while the other is in the emergency department, both in critical condition. The victims were identified as Taj Uddin Islam, Md. Sadar Ali, Md. Robin Molla, Sofiqul Islam, and Md. Nurun Nabi Sarkar. The injured are Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hossain.

A delegation from the Bangladesh High Commission has been sent to the site to assess the situation, and steps are being taken to repatriate the bodies of the deceased to their families in Bangladesh.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $566.5 million loan package during his two-day visit to the Maldives and initiated discussions on a bilateral free trade agreement. Modi aims to deepen development cooperation amid growing competition with China for influence in the island nation. Despite recent political tensions, India has supported the Maldives economically. The financial aid will enhance security, health, housing, and education in the Maldives. Modi also inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo airport expansion project remotely.

As a mark of solidarity with Palestinians, the Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli citizens through legislation passed by its parliament on Tuesday. President Mohamed Muizzu immediately ratified the law, which takes effect without delay. In a statement, President Muizzu said the move reflects his government’s “firm stance against Israel’s ongoing atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people.” He reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle. This comes after President Muizzu had previously indicated in June last year that such a ban was being considered.