United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday called for putting the global focus back on the Rohingya crisis, saying the influx of about 100,000 more refugees has added further burden on Bangladesh. "The situation is getting complicated. They are pushing more Rohingyas to Bangladesh," he said when UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi met him on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city. Dr Yunus sought support from the UN Refugee Agency - UNHCR - to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis and the Rohingya crisis and hosting a major global conference on the issue later this year. Read more: Dr Yunus invited to attend 61st Munich Security Conference  Grandi said his agency would support Bangladesh in its quest to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis. "We stand ready to cooperate with you," Grandi said after the chief adviser sought his support for addressing the Rohingya crisis, in particular, hosting the major global conference on the issue. The idea of such a conference was initiated by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus during his statement in the UN General Assembly in September 2024 to find out a sustainable and peaceful solution to the Rohingya issue. "Your voice will be more critical," Prof Yunus said. Grandi thanked the chief adviser for allowing the Rohingyas to use better materials to build their shelters. Read more: Will support you, German Chancellor tells Dr Yunus on Bangladesh's transition to democracy Previously, the Rohingyas were only allowed to make shelters with bamboo and tarpaulins. During the meeting, they also discussed the humanitarian situation inside Myanmar's Rakhine State, where the rebel group, the Arakan Army, was fighting against the Myanmar military. The chief adviser said he has appointed a high representative for the Rohingya crisis, and he is coordinating among all the government and international agencies.

A taskforce sealed off an unauthorised fishmeal factory and seized its valuables worth Tk 2 crore in Natore Sadar upazila on Tuesday night. A mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Saddam Hossain conducted the drive at Alfa Biotechnological Ltd in Balaripara area under Natore Sadar upazila. One Ripon Biswas, a resident of Gopalganj’s Kotalipara upazila, set up the factory in two rented houses and used to produce 31 types of fish meals and pack medicines. He failed to show legal documents against validity, forcing the taskforce to seal off. Army personnel and Upazila Fisheries Department assisted the taskforce in conducting the drive.

Students of Rabindra University in Sirajganj blocked the Bogura-Nagarbari highway for three hours demanding permanent campus on Tuesday. The students gathering from several departments set fire and blocked the highway in front of the temporally Academic Bhaban-3 of the university and continued till 1:45pm commencing at 11am. Addressing the event, students Jakaria, Raihan Uddin, Miraj, and Ambar alleged that though the university was established in 2016, no permanent campus is yet to be set up. The campus is running on rented buildings and struggling with a sufficient number of classrooms, they said. The authorities concerned haven’t taken any measures so far despite demonstrating several times earlier, the students alleged. Read: JU students stage blockade over Afsana's death Shahjadpur police station Officer-in-Charge Md Aslam Ali said the three-hour blockade by the students caused severe traffic congestion on both ends of the highway. The students left the highway paving for the traffic movement upon assurance of the concerned administration, he added.

Munich Security Conference Chairman Ambassador Christoph Heusgen on Tuesday invited Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to join the key annual security conclave to be held in the German city of Munich in February this year. Heusgen extended the invitation to Dr Yunus when he met Bangladesh Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city. Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser and Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator, also joined the meeting. The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) will take place from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. The MSC 2025 will once again offer an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of time. Will support you, German Chancellor tells Dr Yunus on Bangladesh's transition to democracy The MSC 2025 comes at a pivotal moment of change: a new US administration takes office in January, a new cycle of European legislature in Brussels and German parliamentary elections follow just one week after the conference, said the organisers. During the meeting, the two dignitaries -- Dr Yunus and Heusgen -- discussed the July uprising, Bangladesh's relationship with its neighbours, the Rohingya crisis and the online misinformation campaign. Ambassador Heusgen said that online platforms such as Facebook are used to spread fake news and misinformation about Bangladesh. He suggested that Bangladesh can emulate European nations' example to enact a law requiring online platforms to fact-check contents. After an opening by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on February 14, hundreds of decision-makers and opinion leaders from different regions of the world will discuss the world's security policy challenges under the chairmanship of Christoph Heusgen. Dhaka, Beijing discuss economic partnership expansion The conference’s main program will start with a focus on global security challenges, including global governance, democratic resilience, climate security, and many more topics. Debates will take place on the state of the international order as well as regional conflicts and crises. The future of the transatlantic partnership will also be a focus of the second day of the conference. On Sunday, the conference will wrap up with discussions on Europe’s role in the world. The MSC 2025 will once again serve as a marketplace for ideas and create space for as many relevant and consequential debates as possible. As in previous years, the conference’s program consists of three parts: the main program curated by the MSC, around 200 official side events, and dozens of public outreach events. Home Adviser urges US to rehabilitate more Rohingyas The day before the conference, the Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Germany, Jörg Kukies, will bring together ministers and high representatives from international institutions for the 4th No Money for Terror Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing. At the end of the third and last conference day, Jens Stoltenberg will succeed Christoph Heusgen as the new Chair of the MSC.

A fire that broke out in a jhut warehouse in Ambagh area of Gazipur city was brought out under control after one and half hours of the incident on Tuesday night. Gazipur Fire Service Deputy Director Mohammad Mamun said the fire began in the warehouse in Ambagh area under Konabari police station around 9pm. Read: Fire in Mirpur Bata: No casualties reported Being informed, three firefighting units from two stations rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control around 10:30pm, he said. The cause of the fire could not be known immediately, he said, adding that the extent to damages caused by the fire would be known later.

Noted writer Prof Salimullah Khan said if the students, who led the 2024 movement, want to implement their programmes, they will require formation of a new political party. “There is no doubt that you will need a political party to implement your programmes. If a country runs on the basis of politics, then political parties are essential,” he said. Prof Khan was addressing a meeting of Jatiya Nagorik Committee’s D in the city’s Gulshan area. The meeting was held with participation of thana-level representatives from its Dhaka North City unit to abolish fascist systems and implement new political settlement. The writer said over time new political parties were formed to meet the needs of the times. Those who led the 2024 movement did not lead it as an organized political party. But it has already happened. “Now if you want to form a political party by capitalising on its (movement’s) history, no one should stop you. You can develop your own party,” he said. He said if a country runs on the basis of politics, then political parties are essential. A modern republican state or democratic state cannot run without political parties. So, there is no question about whether a political party should be formed or not,” he added. But a little doubt has emerged among the existing political parties thinking about what would happen to them if these young students form their own political party, said Prof Khan. Pointing at the political parties, he said, “If we want to build a truly democratic state, we need many political parties. And we need watchdogs to see if a political party is running the country properly.”  

Praising Bangladesh’s good track record in loan repayment, China on Tuesday "agreed in principle" to extend the loan repayment period and assured to look into the request of the interest rate reduction. Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Touhid, during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, requested China to reduce interest rate from 2-3% to 1%, waive commitment fee and extend loan repayment period from 20 years to 30 years for both the Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) loan and Government Concessional Loan (GCL). The Chinese Foreign Minister also assured to continue DFQF access of Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market for 3 years after the LDC graduation. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and China signed the ‘Implementation Plan" of the MoU in exchange of "Hydrological Information" sharing of the Yaluzangbu-Jamuna River. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China places Bangladesh at a very important position in her neighborhood diplomacy and praised the existing warm relations between the two nations. Bangladesh and China reaffirmed their commitment to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ during bilateral talks held at the Diaoyuitai State Guest House in Beijing. Yi said the people of Bangladesh have given important responsibility to Prof Yunus who has dedicated himself in maintaining civility and unity of the country, and his government has done many tangible good things for Bangladesh. He recalled his fruitful meeting with Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the last UNGA. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed that China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bangladesh and reiterated continued Chinese support for the stability, reforms, democratic transition and development initiatives of Bangladesh. He also mentioned that China wants to see Bangladesh’s economic development in pace with their own development. ‘China would continue supporting projects conducive to the livelihood of the people of Bangladesh’–the Foreign Minister stated. Adviser Hossain is paying an official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister. Dr Yunus begins extensive engagements in Davos; holds talks with German Chancellor Senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce, Water Resources and the Economic Relations Division are accompanying the Foreign Adviser. This is his first bilateral visit abroad after assuming charge. This visit also coincides with the celebration of the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two friendly nations. Adviser Hossain was warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister Wang Yi before the bilateral talks. The talks were held in a very cordial atmosphere covering a wide range of topics including development cooperation, trade and investment, infrastructure development, sectoral cooperation, and people to people exchanges. Both sides expressed their commitment to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual interest and leveraging opportunities for shared prosperity. Adviser Hossain emphasised that his first bilateral visit to China reflects Bangladesh’s strong intent to engage with China in a robust partnership to give the relationship a new momentum. Adviser Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s firm commitment to ‘One China Principle’ and unwavering support for UNGA Resolution 2758. He mentioned that the July-August 2024 movement in Bangladesh gave an opportunity to rebuild our nation on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, corruption free system and equal access to resources for all. Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis Upon Bangladesh’s request, Foreign Minister Yi conveyed China’s decision to especially designate 3 to 4 recognised hospitals in Kunming for treatment of Bangladeshi patients. He also welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal of establishing a specialised tertiary level Chinese hospital in Dhaka as a gesture of goodwill on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

The government has approved an ordinance that maintains the provision for appointing judges to the High Court (HC) through the establishment of a council. Law Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul announced this at a press conference regarding HC judge appointments and other contemporary affairs held at the Secretariat on Tuesday. He revealed that the Council of Advisory approved the draft of the 'Supreme Court Judge Appointment Ordinance, 2025' on January 17 and its gazette was published on Tuesday. Emphasising the importance of appointing neutral and competent judges, he said that the human rights of the 18 crore people would remain at risk if impartial and qualified individuals are not appointed as HC judges through a transparent process. "The gazette for the 'Supreme Court Judge Appointment Ordinance 2025' was issued today. You all know that under the previous government, the High Court became a major platform for lawlessness, human rights violations, and the repression of people. Even in the face of severe human rights violations, people were denied redress," he added. The Law Adviser noted that political parties and civil society organisations had long been advocating for the appointment of skilled, experienced and neutral judges to the HC to ensure justice. Read: Govt okays SC Judges Appointment Ord According to the ordinance, the formation of the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council for HC judge appointments is mandated. The council will be headed by the Chief Justice and will include two justices each from the Appellate Division and the HC, along with the Attorney General. "The council will first conduct a thorough scrutiny. They will gather potential candidates on their own initiative, but anyone—be it an individual or a lawyer—can also submit recommendations. This process will be open, and the council will hold interviews after the initial scrutiny," the ordinance explains. Adviser Asif further assured, "Judges will be appointed to the High Court through a transparent and accountable process. Hopefully, with the High Court's involvement, we will be able to establish a better appointment process than in any previous tenure." He said that judges for the HC will be appointed from both the judicial services and the pool of lawyers, with the council determining the appropriate ratio for each group. Regarding the trial progress at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), the Law Adviser expressed satisfaction, saying that there is no connection between the election and the prosecution of the former Awami League government's cohorts. Read more: Political appointment of judges destroyed judiciary: Asif Nazrul A second ICT could be formed to expedite trials, if necessary, and that political party unity could further accelerate the election process, he added.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus began his extensive engagements here on Tuesday with his first meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who conveyed to Dr Yunus that Germany would do its best to support Bangladesh in its transition to democracy. "You can be rest assured that we will support you," the German Chancellor said when he met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city. The Chief Adviser briefed him on the reform agenda of the interim government and discussed issues of mutual interest. Dr Yunus invited more German investment in Bangladesh. "We can be your factory," he said. He also sought Scholz's support in creating a safe zone for Rohingyas in Myanmar's Rakhine State under the supervision of the United Nations, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Beijing extends loan repayment period, considers Dhaka's request for interest rate cut The Chief Adviser said he was leading a consensus commission in an effort to facilitate consensus building among the political parties on major reform reports submitted by six commissions. He said after the consensus is reached, the political parties will sign a ‘July Charter’ that will uphold the democratic spirits of the student-led uprising in July and August. The two leaders spoke about a wide range of issues, including the circumstances that led to the July uprising, Bangladesh's relationship with its neighbours, the Rohingya crisis, and the security situation in Myanmar. The Chief Adviser explained to the German chancellor how young people joined the July uprising to bring an end to years of misrule in Bangladesh. A student as young as 12 years old wrote a letter to his mother before joining the uprising and embraced martyrdom, the Chief Adviser told Scholz. Prof Yunus called for greater business links between the two nations and urged him to send a team of German businessmen to Dhaka to explore business opportunities in Bangladesh. He said that Bangladesh still holds the idea of SAARC and would continue its endeavour to revive the platform. The Chief Adviser also explained to the German Chancellor how hydroelectric power from Nepal can benefit multiple South Asian countries, helping all in their transition to renewable energy. Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis The Chief Adviser also met Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum and discussed issues of mutual interest. Dr Yunus arrived at Zurich International Airport, Switzerland in the afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos where he started engaging with the global leaders on pressing issues in addition to his bilateral meetings. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport upon his arrival. Dhaka, Beijing discuss economic partnership expansion The Chief Adviser and his delegation members arrived at the Zurich International Airport at 12:27pm (Zurich time) by an Emirates flight. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to hold a number of meetings on the first day, including his joining in the opening dinner at Kurpark Village.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) commended the government and reform commissions for presenting the first-ever public reports on constitutional and electoral reform, fulfilling a demand arising from the July-August 2024 monsoon uprising for state reconstruction. AB Party calls for VAT to be phased out and impose singular direct tax At a press briefing held at the AB Party’s central office in Dhaka on Tuesday, Sunny Abdul Haque, joint general secretary and barrister-at-law, provided the party’s evaluation of the reports. Asaduzzaman Fuaad, General Secretary of the AB Party and a Barrister-at-law, and Mujibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of the party, also commented on different aspects of the reports. Key points from the party’s evaluation: 1. Acknowledging Historic Values The AB Party praised the inclusion of the principles from Bangladesh’s proclamation of independence, emphasizing equality, human dignity, and social justice. This aligns with the party’s recommendations for a constitutional reform centered on the nation’s founding ethos; 2. Concerns on a bicameral legislature Barrister Fuaad questioned whether Bangladesh is prepared for a bicameral legislature, noting that even developed nations face legislative deadlocks in such systems. Instead, the AB Party proposed: (i) Expanding the current unicameral parliament, (ii) Reserving an additional 50 seats for underprivileged groups and professionals alongside the existing 50 reserved for women; 3. Focus on candidate attributes The Party prefers attributes of the candidates to age limits in electoral reforms. 4. Qualitative over cosmetic reforms Addressing law enforcement, Barrister Fuaad emphasized changing behaviour and service ethics over superficial changes, such as uniform design; Monju elected chairman, Fuad general secretary of AB Party 5. Electoral Duration and Government Mandate, Monju reiterated the AB Party’s earlier suggestion for a two-year election timeline, which has gained broader discussion. He clarified the legitimacy of the current government as a product of a democratic uprising, affirming its mandate comes directly from the people. Praise for Public Reporting The Party acknowledged the government’s transparency in sharing the commission’s report and stressed the importance of respecting contributions from all sectors, including students, political parties, and expatriates, who were instrumental during the July-August 2024 movement.