United News of Bangladesh

Seeking peace and stability in the Middle East, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has said it is nearly impossible to combat poverty when global food and energy markets are destabilised by war. "As a former head of government of the world’s eighth most populous nation, I have seen firsthand how nearly impossible it is to combat poverty when global food and energy markets are destabilized by war," he said. Prof Yunus said this cycle of violence must end, as the world can no longer bear the weight of these mounting humanitarian crises. "​May this Eid bring the peace and stability the region so desperately needs. Eid Mubarak to all," he said. ​Here in Bangladesh, the anxiety is deeply personal, said Prof Yunus in a message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated in Bangladesh today. He said millions of families are living in constant fear for the safety of their sons, daughters, and parents working abroad. Tragically, Prof Yunus said, the reach of this war has already been felt at home as they mourn the Bangladeshis killed by missile strikes in the region. ​He said the world simply cannot afford another regional conflagration, especially as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth devastating year. "These conflicts do not exist in a vacuum; they hit the world’s most vulnerable the hardest," Prof Yunus said, noting that global prices have surged, making basic nutrition a struggle for billions of people. Soaring costs are pushing more families into systemic poverty, he added. ​As nearly two billion Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Prof Yunus said his heart and thoughts are with the millions of people affected by conflict across Iran, Lebanon, and the Gulf. Thousands have lost their lives and millions more have been displaced by a devastating war imposed upon the people of Iran. "While there were clear avenues for peace to avoid this deadly escalation, the path of military confrontation was chosen instead," Prof Yunus said. He said this cycle of violence has now rippled across the region, affecting several Gulf nations in the wake of retaliatory actions. ​"During this time of celebration, my most fervent hope is for peace to finally prevail. The cycle of conflict that has consumed West Asia for decades must end," Prof Yunus said. "It is my prayer that the people of Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, the Gulf nations, and Israel find a shared path toward peaceful coexistence," he mentioned.

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a telephone call with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman to exchange Eid ul Fitr greetings.  During the warm and cordial conversation between the two leaders, the Pakistani Prime Minister conveyed Eid ul Fitr greetings to Prime Minister Rahman and the brotherly people of Bangladesh, according to Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka.  Recalling the historic, fraternal and familial ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh, across all spheres. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments in South Asia as well as the  situation in Middle East and urged the pursuit of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences and disputes.  Prime Minister Rahman warmly reciprocated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Eid greetings and extended his best wishes for the people of Pakistan, said the High Commission.  Both leaders looked forward to working closely in the days ahead for the shared objectives of regional as well as global peace and stability.

An evacuation flight from Baku, Azerbaijan, carrying expatriate Bangladeshi nationals evacuated from Iran is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:30 am Saturday.  State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, among others, are expected to be at the airport to receive the evacuees.  The government of Bangladesh expressed its deep appreciation to the governments of Iran and Azerbaijan, as well as to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for their overall cooperation in facilitating this repatriation process. In light of the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East, 186 Bangladeshi nationals departed from Baku on Friday for Bangladesh following their evacuation from Iran.  The evacuees crossed the Iran-Azerbaijan border by land and are currently en route to Dhaka on a special flight operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines from Baku, Azerbaijan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh Missions in Tehran, Ankara, New Delhi and Geneva, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has carried out this emergency evacuation.

 Bangladesh and India on Friday discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries as both sides eye stronger people-centric relations in the future. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah paid a courtesy call on Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi. "Our conversation was focused on advancing our bilateral ties," said the Indian Minister after the meeting. The meeting came amid Indian media reports that suggest Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is expected to make a brief visit to New Delhi, the first since the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was formed. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma recently said Bangladesh and India stand at the threshold of a promising future as two vibrant and forward-looking societies. He said the two countries share a rich history and deep cultural ties, strengthened by their shared sacrifices during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which continue to unite the peoples of both nations. "Today, as two vibrant and forward-looking societies, we stand at the threshold of a promising future – one in which we can work together to bring shared prosperity not only to our two countries but also to the wider region," he said. The high commissioner said India has always supported and will continue to support a democratic, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Friday reaffirmed that the government is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshis living in the Middle East amid the ongoing tensions. “Protecting our citizens is our top priority. We will take every possible step to ensure their safety,” she said while speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after receiving the body of expatriate Mosharraf Hossain, who was killed in a missile attack in Saudi Arabia. So far, five Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives in the region. The State Minister said  Bangladeshi missions abroad remain in constant contact with citizens, monitoring their well-being and providing necessary support.  She also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, stating that Bangladesh strongly advocates for an end to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. Regarding the possible return of Bangladeshi nationals, she said the government is prepared to facilitate repatriation in phases.  “We are ready to bring back those who wish to return, depending on the evolving situation. All relevant ministries are on standby,” she added. Mosharraf Hossain was killed on March 8 in a missile strike in the Al-Twaiq area near Al-Kharij, Saudi Arabia.  The attack occurred shortly before Iftar and claimed three lives, including Mosharraf. Bangladesh said it strongly believes that conflict brings no solution and only dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law can resolve disputes.  Bangladesh also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation and immediately pursue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladesh reaffirmed its consistent position in favour of peace, stability and security in the Middle East, and called upon the international community to intensify efforts towards restoring calm and facilitating dialogue. Around 280 Bangladeshis will return home from Iran soon. They are expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:30am Saturday, said a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam will remain present at the airport to receive them, added the official. 

Bangladesh Army on Thursday expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) of UNMISS Nicholas Haysom. Nicholas Haysom was the UN secretary general's special representative in South Sudan. He died in New York.  "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time," said the Bangladesh Army. His dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to peace and stability in South Sudan will be remembered with great respect, said the Army. "As a proud contributor to UNMISS, Bangladesh Army highly values his service. His legacy will continue to inspire peacekeepers across the globe."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended warm greetings to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the brotherly people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on the joyous occasion of the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. "On behalf of the people and the Government of India, I extend warm greetings to you and the brotherly people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on the joyous occasion of the festival of Eid ul Fitr," he said in a message to Prime Minister Tarique. Over the past one month, Muslims in India as well as across the world have observed the holy month of Ramadan and spent pious time in fasting and prayer, said Prime Minister Modi He said the celebration of Eid reminds them of the timeless values of compassion, brotherhood and togetherness. "We hope and pray for peace, harmony, good health and happiness for people across the world. May the bonds of friendship and camaraderie among our countries grow stronger," said Prime Minister Modi.

The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh observed Algeria’s Victory Day on Thursday on its premises in Dhaka. Representatives from civil society, Islamic scholars, prominent business leaders, journalists from leading media houses, and members of the scientific community attended the event. The programme commenced with the hoisting of the Algerian national flag, accompanied by the national anthem. This was followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran by Qari Sakhwat Khan. In his remarks, Ambassador Abdelouahab Saidani highlighted the historic significance of 19 March 1962, when the President of the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (GPRA), Benyoucef Benkhedda, proclaimed a ceasefire across Algerian territory following the Évian Accords, bringing an end to nearly eight years of armed struggle. The Ambassador noted that this milestone paved the way for Algeria’s independence on 5 July 1962, following a referendum in which an overwhelming majority of the Algerian people voted in favor of sovereignty. He emphasised that the ceasefire marked the culmination of immense sacrifices made by the Algerian people and the National Liberation Front (FLN) in their fight against colonial rule.  

Bangladesh reiterated its support for the uninterrupted and lawful navigation of vessels in accordance with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  Bangladesh urged meaningful engagement among all concerned parties to pursue a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis through constructive dialogue and diplomatic efforts. It made the call at the 36th extraordinary session of IMO Council on the Middle East crisis. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) convened its 36th Extraordinary Session of the Council in London on March 18 to deliberate on the evolving situation in the Middle East and its implications for global maritime safety and security, according to the Bangladesh High Commission in London.  The Bangladesh delegation was led by Deputy High Commissioner Dr Nazrul Islam.  In his intervention, the Deputy High Commissioner emphasised Bangladesh’s deep concern for the safety, security, and welfare of all seafarers, including Bangladeshi nationals serving aboard vessels operating in the affected regions. 

The Committee to Protect Journalists and eight other human rights organizations have written to Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urging his government to take steps to protect human rights and uphold press freedom. The nine rights groups that wrote the letter are Amnesty International, Article 19, CPJ, CIVICUS, FIDH, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Tech Global Institute. In a joint letter, the groups called on the government to publicly affirm its commitment to press freedom and media independence, release detained journalists, and review cases filed against journalists under cybercrime laws, including the Digital Security Act and Cyber Security Act. The signatories called for an end to arbitrary surveillance, censorship, and internet shutdowns, and for the government to implement recommendations from the Media Reform Commission that align with international standards on press freedom. The letter also urged authorities to conduct prompt and impartial investigations into attacks on journalists and news outlets, including the Prothom Alo and Daily Star.