United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu organized in its premises a photo and graffiti exhibition titled “July Beyond Borders” as part of the commemorative events marking the first anniversary of the historic July Mass Uprising of 2024 in Bangladesh. Ambassadors of different countries to Nepal, Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Md Golam Sarwar, diplomatic and international community including representatives of UN organizations, former Ambassadors of Nepal to Bangladesh, prominent businessmen and entrepreneurs, doctors, civil society, artists, students and other professionals of Nepal attended the exhibition. Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman and the members of the Bangladesh community also attended the event. July Charter's final draft sent to parties dropping timeline for implementation  In addition, the members of the visiting Bangladesh delegation led by Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs adviser Supradip Chakma participated in the “Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet” event, including Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Standing Committee Member of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tasnim Jara, first senior joint Member Secretary of National Citizen Party (NCP), its joint member secretary Mir Arshadul Hoque and others.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider presented his credentials to the President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Tuesday. During the meeting, the high commissioner conveyed greetings and best wishes from the leadership and people of Pakistan to the president and the brotherly people of Bangladesh, according to Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. He noted that relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh are deeply rooted in shared history, common faith and cultural affinities and emphasised that Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Welcoming the high commissioner, the president felicitated him on his appointment and assured full support in the discharge of his diplomatic responsibilities. He also expressed his best wishes for the high commissioner’s successful tenure in Bangladesh.  

Shedding light on pathways to clean air and blue skies in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, National Citizen Party’s (NCP) first senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara on Tuesday emphasised that people must remain at the centre of climate and environmental action. "It’s about our children breathing freely. It’s about them living longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. If we connect to that human story, it binds us across political lines and across borders," she said while speaking at a high-level panel discussion on the sidelines of the HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025. A popular figure known for her evidence-based health videos with millions of followers, Dr Jara outlined four key steps to tackle air pollution - building a shared scientific foundation, harmonising policies, mobilising finance and keeping people at the centre. UNDP launches ‘clean air’ campaign amid deteriorating air quality She stressed the unique role of parliamentarians and said, "They are not just lawmakers. They are the bridge between science and people, between global commitments and local realities. That is why they must step forward and act.” Dr Jara underlined that clean air is not a luxury, but a right. Framing it as a political issue, she said, “If we can secure that commitment across the region, our partners will act together. The sky above belongs to all of us, and we must defend our right to clean air with urgency. We either fix this together, or we fail separately.” Four Priorities Monitoring of air quality in the region is still uneven, said Dr Jara, calling for a robust regional network of monitoring stations, shared datasets, and transparent science.  “If we cannot measure together, we cannot act together." UN Secretary General calls for enhanced global cooperation for clean air “If one country tightens standards but another does not, the consequences cross borders,” she said, urging alignment of policies across the HKH region.

Highlighting the importance of clean air and the severe impacts of air pollution, Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma on Tuesday said establishing a regional parliamentary taskforce on air quality is essential to address related challenges. "Parliamentarians must lead this, because it is their responsibility. Such a taskforce could also address climate change alongside air quality. Let us therefore support the development of a regional air quality framework," he said while chairing a high-level panel discussion on the sidelines of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians Meet-2025. The Adviser expressed the hope that this initiative would demonstrate, in the future, that they are on the right path.  He also underscored the importance of promoting equitable energy transition policies across the countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. "As many of you have said, we must strengthen regional data systems and public accountability," he added. Supradip emphasised the need respecting and protecting nature’s blessings.  "Since our behavior has its consequences, perhaps we can say that if we can fix our DNA, then we can also fix the DNA of nature," he said. Senior Joint Member Secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Bhutan Sonam Tashi, Member of Parliament, Nepal Madhav Sapkota and Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming Suriya Bibi spoke as the panellists while Air Lead at ICIMOD Ashish Tiwari made a presentation before the panel discussion on "Striving Together for Clean Air and Blue Skies in the HKH region.  Speakers highlighted how air pollution threatens human health and ecosystems, stressing the urgency of joint action for cleaner air.  Exposure to polluted air can cause respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases and even premature death.  In contrast, clean air supports lung health, reduces the risk of chronic conditions, and contributes to longer lives. The CHT Affairs Adviser expressed his  inspiration seeing young people taking the lead. "Our young generation is showing the way. They are taking the burden of what needs to be done, whether in terms of air pollution, water pollution, or other pressing challenges," he said. "So, I request all of you, especially the young speakers we heard today: please decide, and please lead your nations forward." Supradip observed that people often neglect what comes free. "Air is free, we don’t take care of it. Water is free, we don’t take care of it. Sometimes people even treat truth as if it is free, and neglect it too. But at the end of the day, neglect leads to suffering. So think about it," he mentioned. He urged policymakers to recognise the need for change. "We cannot continue to live like this. It is difficult, yes, whether in Dhaka, Delhi, or Beijing—with such dense populations and pollution, we cannot save our air quality overnight. But what can we do now?" Citing rural Bangladesh, Supradip said air quality is still better in those areas than in cities.  "For example, my hometown Chattogram has much better air quality than Dhaka. I always love going back home, because I can breathe freely. Those people still know how to live with nature. Urban competition and pressure force people to live differently," he said. The Adviser called on the younger generation to change their lifestyle patterns and behaviors, stressing that such changes would make a real difference. Speaking about the hill areas of Bangladesh, the Adviser said, "I do not want mass tourism that destroys the environment. For example, backpackers who spend only Tk 500 but leave behind waste that costs Tk 1,000 to clean. I don’t want that kind of tourism. What I want is responsible development, responsible behavior, and respect for nature." He highlighted the government’s efforts and said the Environment Ministry is working seriously.  "For example, we banned plastic shopping bags. In government offices, you no longer see plastic bottled water, there are glass jugs and glasses instead," he added.  However, he admitted that with a population of 170 million, eliminating harmful materials overnight is impossible. "But the government is introducing new rules, regulations, and awareness campaigns so people change their behavior and lifestyle patterns," he said. Supradip stressed that pollution is not only an environmental issue, it affects the economy, transport, and above all, public health.  Still, the Adviser said he was reassured by the younger generation’s willingness to understand rather than simply agree. "Solutions come from learning, from knowing more, and from accepting reality," he said. The Adviser also emphasised the importance of local adaptation solutions, pointing out that people in remote areas often have a stronger connection with nature and valuable lessons to share. "We have to live, we have to survive, and we have to ensure good health. We must move forward together so that people can live long and fulfilling lives," Supradip said.    

Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday announced that the EU will provide a support package of 4 million euros to help Bangladesh conduct elections in line with international standards, emphasising their desire for the polls to be free, fair and highly credible. “I came here today to announce that the European Union will provide a support package in excess of 4 million euros to help Bangladesh run elections in line with international standards,” he said while talking to reporters after leading a six-member EU delegation in a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the latter's Nirbachan Bhaban office. Michael Miller said the European Union is here working in partnership with Bangladesh in support of a transition that will lead up to democratic elections. “We are heading towards a timeline of early 2026,” he said. Replying to a question about the election environment in Bangladesh, the EU Ambassador said what they are discussing now is the very practical steps that need to be taken immediately in the coming weeks and months in order to ensure the credibility of these elections. “And that is why we are here mobilising our expertise now. Because we actually want your elections to be very credible and held in line with international standards and of course free and fair,” he said. Miller said he was accompanied not only by the European Union delegation colleagues but also by the European Partnership for Democracy and they are implementing partners, electoral experts who will be here to ensure that there is a strong focus on citizen observation in the coming elections. Besides, the EU has a focus on voter education in Bangladesh as the European Union is determined to empower its partner in Bangladesh and of course the election commission as it conducts these elections. Local govt elections essential to ensure acceptable public services during national polls: Speakers He mentioned that the EU will also support the Bangladesh election commission directly in terms of capacity building and expert input including in the fields of operational planning and dispute resolution to give examples. “Our focus here on the conduct of elections as in other areas of our work in Bangladesh will be on ensuring the independence and the efficiency and the accountability of the institutions here,” Miller added. Miller said the European Union considers Bangladesh a priority for a potential EU election observation mission. “So, this is something that we will continue to discuss with the interim government and the election commission in the coming months,” he said. Replying to another question, Michael Miller said a team of EU technical experts will come to Bangladesh next month to consider whether the context is right for the EU to deploy an election observation mission here in Bangladesh. “So, we are looking at feasibility and we are looking at the advisability but what I can tell you is that politically Bangladesh is a priority for the European Union when it comes to the deployment of an election observation mission,” he said. In response to another question, the EU envoy said he thinks there are a number of issues that need to be addressed because Bangladesh is in the middle of a very profound political transition. Obviously, when it comes to the elections, Bangladesh does have long-standing experience of running democratic elections, but more recently, of course, those elections have been highly questionable in terms of the conduct and the results, Miller said. ‘Our overall focus on national polls, not any other polls’, says EC Sanaullah “Now, what we see here is the need to ensure that your voters, especially your young voters who may never have participated in an election, that they have sufficient education to be able to exercise their democratic right,” the EU ambassador said. “We have to be sure that you have the capacity in your administration to counter disinformation and misinformation. And of course that's not just a problem here, but it's a problem everywhere. So on all of these issues, we will be working there. We are at the stage now of identifying how we can best help,” he added. Talking about a new EU-funded project, the EU ambassador said the EU will work on voter education, ensuring that domestic observer organizations have the capacity to deploy in the field. Besides, the EU will work with the Bangladesh election commission and work also with smaller civil society organizations in Bangladesh that are specialized in digital rights and countering misinformation. Those afraid of elections should join NGOs, not politics: Amir Khosru Other members of the delegation were Sebastian Riger-Brown, First Secretary (Political) of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh; Enrico Lorenzon, First Secretary and Team Leader for Inclusive Governance; Tanja Nader, Programme Manager for Inclusive Governance; Michael Lidauer, Senior International Advisor, EPD; and Anas Wibawa, Project Director for the Citizen Election Observers Component, EPD, at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh.

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Director General Pema Gyamtsho on Monday said the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) countries, including Bangladesh, need around USD 740 billion annually for both adaptation and mitigation. He said evidence-based policies and legislations, innovative solutions, informed decisions, increased and targeted investment, and collaborative actions are essential for building resilience, prosperity, and sustainability in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. "As parliamentarians, your role as people's elected representatives in enacting laws, influencing policies, reviewing development plans and allocating resources, and advocating for mass participation has never been more important and crucial than it is now," said the ICIMOD Director General while speaking at the HKH Parliamentarians Meet-2025. Hindu Kush Himalaya is the “water tower of Asia” and is often referred to as the "Third Pole" because it contains the largest ice mass outside the polar regions and is the source of ten major Asian rivers.  The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region encompasses eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. This region is known for its high mountains, diverse ecosystems, and as the source of ten major river systems. More than 100 parliamentarians from the Hindu Kush Himalaya have gathered in Kathmandu to discuss shared challenges, explore potential collaborations, and build consensus to implement actionable solutions to the pressing issues of biodiversity loss, climate change, air pollution, and inclusive development. This is the biggest-ever gathering of regional parliamentarians at the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025. President of Nepal Ramchandra Poudel spoke as the chief guest. Dev Raj Ghimire, Speaker, House of Representatives, Nepal, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nepal, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Forests and Environment, Nepal, Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs,, Kusum Devi Thapa, Chairperson, Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee, Federal Parliament of Nepal also spoke. HKH Meet: Khosru proposes regional water management mechanism The ICIMOD DG thanked the people and government of Nepal, and in particular, the Parliament of Nepal, for hosting this meeting and for giving ICIMOD the opportunity to support it. The region supports the livelihoods of 240 million people living in the mountains, and further 1.65 billion people living downstream. "This means that almost one-fourth of humanity benefits from the HKH. However, our region faces accelerated impacts from the triple planetary crises - climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss," said the ICIMOD DG. Gyamtsho said glaciers are melting faster than ever before and together with other climatic events, they are facing a situation of either too much or too little water. "Floods and droughts are often occurring at the same time in different parts of our region," he said. Gyamtsho said some 70–80% of the original habitat of the HKH has already been lost, affecting livelihoods, ecosystem function and services, and driving human-wildlife conflict.  "Our region, particularly the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills id one of the most polluted regions in the world, with PM2.5 levels often exceeding 400 Mg per Cu.M," he said. "This has serious impacts on our health, quality of life, environment, agricultural productivity, and the economy," said the DG, adding that HKH is becoming an epicentre of multi-hazards with increasing vulnerabilities from geological, hydrological and climatic risks. He said most of the challenges they face, disasters, air pollution, biodiversity loss, are transboundary in nature. "And despite their global importance, mountain ecosystems remain underrepresented in national, regional, and international climate policies," Gyamtsho said. Existing frameworks often overlook the unique challenges and contributions of mountain regions, leaving them inadequately addressed in global environmental governance. Increasing losses and damage from climate-change-induced hazards and disasters have significantly increased the investment needs, he said. Gyamtsho said this historic parliamentarians’ meet has brought all in the same room to discuss the shared challenges and most importantly to come up with shared solutions for the member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Nepal positioned to serve as a bridge for India-China dialogue: Debapriya "Even more importantly, you can contribute to building trust and confidence among our peoples and governments and strengthen collaboration and cooperation to move towards a more harmonious, prosperous, and safer region," said the ICIMOD DG. "We may argue that this is a tall ask given the geo-political challenges we are facing. But what is the alternative to cooperation? The cost of non-cooperation is too great even to fathom," he mentioned. ICIMOD, as a regional knowledge organisation, will continue to support its member countries by facilitating the sharing of knowledge, information and innovation in addressing the shared challenges of the region, said the DG. "We will also continue to advocate for mountain issues at the national, regional, and international levels," Gyamtsho mentioned. He urged all to take this opportunity to strengthen collaboration among the countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya to align the regional efforts with global climate goals. "Together we can build resilient ecosystems that support the well-being of our communities.  We have the science, we have the data, we know enough to act now. What we need is an effective regional mechanism for taking collective actions," Gyamtsho said. "It’s time for action - in our own countries as well as jointly as a region before it’s too late. This meet is a small step but as they say “the journey of a thousand miles start with a small step” it is a very significant first step," he added.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday proposed establishing a ‘regional water management’ mechanism, emphasising that biodiversity and water management are closely interlinked. "We are really not discussing the water issue, which is extremely important," he said, highlighting the challenges faced by lower riparian countries. The BNP leader was speaking at a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Impacts of Climate Change, Disaster Risks, and the Role of Parliamentarians’, held on the sidelines of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025. Khosru said upper riparian countries are withdrawing water and building dams and hydropower projects in violation of international water-sharing laws. Such actions, he thinks, are destroying biodiversity, damaging agricultural systems and threatening the livelihoods of people in downstream nations. "Bangladesh is really suffering. Our agriculture and biodiversity are being affected. The livelihoods of a huge population are also at risk. This is a serious issue. I think we need to address this in the future," the BNP leader said. In the context of shared river basins, upper riparian refers to countries located upstream, which can influence water flows, while lower riparian refers to downstream countries that depend on the flow regulated by upstream nations.  

President of Nepal Ramchandra Poudel on Monday said they, at the policy-making level, must formulate timely, people-centered and implementable policies on climate change, biodiversity, and air pollution, based on scientific facts and public voices. "Likewise, for the strengthening of the legal framework, it is necessary to establish standards for climate-friendly development, set regulations for air pollution control, and provide essential legal provisions for the conservation of biodiversity," he said, while speaking as the chief guest at the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025. To ensure accountability, the Nepalese President said, Parliaments must carry out their fundamental responsibility of monitoring whether programs are implemented, ensuring transparency of resources, and evaluating results. Dev Raj Ghimire, Speaker, House of Representatives, Nepal, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nepal, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister of Forests and Environment, Nepal, Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Kusum Devi Thapa, Chairperson, Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee, Federal Parliament of Nepal also spoke at the inaugural session. Parliamentarians from across the HKH countries came together to strengthen collaboration for a sustainable and resilient mountain future. “With the parliamentarians’ support, cooperation with each other and foresight to the future, the common crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution will be possible to address. This meet is the beginning of a roadmap for the present and a commitment for the future," said President Poudel. He said climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution are no longer confined to scientific reports; they have become the harsh reality of our daily lives. Therefore, the President said, this meeting is a historic opportunity to chart a roadmap for our common and sustainable future. "It is an opportunity to demonstrate a strong commitment regarding the future of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region—its geography, mountains, forests, rivers, and atmosphere," he said. The President said he has consistently drawn the attention of the global community at international forums to the adverse impacts of climate change. "It is imperative today that all parties fulfill their respective commitments made in the Paris Agreement, particularly in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius," he said. The waters flowing from the mountains of the region, the oxygen derived from its forests and the fertility of its agricultural lands directly or indirectly sustain the lives of more than two billion people. "Yet, this very foundation of livelihood is now under threat," said the President. With global warming approaching 1.5 degrees Celsius, the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is warming at a rate higher than the global average. Scientific evidence suggests that, in line with the commitments expressed under the Paris Agreement, it is possible in the long term to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, in recent decades, the accelerated melting of glaciers in this region has become evident. "This has triggered climate-induced disasters such as floods and landslides, affecting settlements from the downstream river valleys to communities located thousands of kilometers away," said the Nepal’s President. He said the region is rich in biodiversity and it is home to some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna. "The degradation of biodiversity is impacting food security, cultural heritage, and increasing the risk of species extinction, with grave repercussions for the overall economy," he mentioned. Despite these challenges, the President acknowledged the remarkable initiatives taken by member states in addressing climate change, controlling air pollution, and conserving biodiversity. "Our region has demonstrated to the world that, despite adversities, exemplary actions are possible," he said. Notable initiatives include cooperation in production and use of hydropower, promotion of solar energy, community participation in forest conservation, development of early warning systems for climate-induced disasters—each representing important steps in regional cooperation for climate adaptation and mitigation. For biodiversity conservation, he said the expansion of national parks and protected areas, modernisation of wildlife monitoring systems, and engagement with local communities are commendable. "Likewise, measures taken to improve air quality through reforms in public transport, promotion of electric vehicles, and regulation of industrial emissions are also satisfactory," said the President.  

Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma on Monday urged collective and effective actions to tackle the pressing challenges of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, including climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution. Speaking at the inaugural session of the HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025, he emphasised the importance of solidarity in addressing these common crises. "Let's be together and try to see that we can bring a change for the region, for our whole Himalayan community and for the rest of the world," he said while delivering his speech. The CHT Affairs Adviser said it is the prime time to know their situation - what is going on here in terms of climate change, biodiversity and all and its impacts. He referred to what Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was telling them while observing the World Environment Day and said, "Perhaps each and every individual we are criminal to the environment and we are criminalizing each and everybody that include our future generation." The Adviser urged participants to make the most of the event, noting that policymakers should meet more frequently to act on the issues being raised and discussed. “It is not just one-fourth, directly and indirectly, nearly half of the global population lives in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, and they are all interconnected, affecting each other,” he said. He also expressed support for the creation of a stronger platform for cooperation. "I support the proposal that we need a platform. It is a kind of sub regional cooperation group and we need to make it stronger and make a collective voice so that we can safeguard our region, the global environment, and biodiversity,” said the Adviser. A Bangladesh delegation, led Adviser Supradip Chakma, is attending the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet-2025. BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Debapriya Bhattacharya, spoke at separate high-level panel discussions. Senior Joint Member Secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara and its Joint Member Secretary Mir Arshadul Hoque are among the members of the Bangladesh delegation. Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel attended the meet as the chief guest, while Speaker Devraj Ghimire attended it as a special guest.    International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Director General Pema Gyamtsho and representatives from other participating countries also spoke at the inaugural session. The inaugural session was followed by various technical sessions.    The event is exploring common understandings, dialogues and coordination among the parliamentarians of the nations in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) sustains nearly one-fourth of humanity -- providing water, food and livelihoods for 240 million people in the mountains and 1.65 billion downstream. But the region, experts say, faces urgent and interconnected threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, disasters and air pollution. The Federal Parliament of Nepal is hosting the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians' Meet, the largest-ever assembly of legislators from across the region. The event offers policymakers a platform to deliberate on shared challenges and advance collective, trans-boundary solutions for a more resilient future. The HKH parliamentarians’ Meet 2025 aims to provide an effective platform for members of the parliaments from the HKH countries to come together, access the latest knowledge and information about the HKH region’s issues, challenges and opportunities, share experiences about the best parliamentary practices and discuss forward-looking policy actions.  

Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Debapriya Bhattacharya on Monday said India and China have to look at ‘face to face and eye to eye’ if the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) initiative has to succeed. "And Nepal is placed very strategically in between India and China to carry on that dialogue. I hope that will happen in the future," he said. Debapriya, a prominent economist and former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, made the remarks while responding to a question during a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Impacts of Climate Change, Disaster Risks and the Role of Parliamentarians’ on the sidelines of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet-2025, which began at a hotel in the capital city of Nepal. "You see, we are talking about a policy issue which cannot be successful without being a cross-border one. It's a regional issue in that way," he said. Debapriya said the eight countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan - they are talking about - have different types of relationship amongst them at this very moment. Each of these countries stands at a different level in their democratic and developmental transition, he observed. "But the fact of the matter is that within these eight countries, the elephant in the room is India and China and nobody is talking about that," Debapriya said, adding, “Now they are beating around the bush.” So, the economist thinks, if they have any political capital to invest, then they should be investing over there and engage with them and make them understand as well that the individual approaches for their respective country will not succeed if the regional approach or collective approach, the new polycentricism is not taken up over there. "I will hope and pray that in the future when public representatives will engage, they will engage with those public representative bodies in China and India much more forcefully than others who are already converted to it in many ways,” he said. Proposed budget ‘disappointing in many ways’: Debapriya A Bangladesh delegation led by Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, is attending the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet-2025. BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke at a separate high-level panel discussion titled ‘Parliamentarians' Role in Balancing Biodiversity Conversation and Human Wellbeing in the HKH Region’. Senior Joint Member Secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara and its Joint Member Secretary Mir Arshadul Hoque are among the members of the Bangladesh delegation. Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel attended the meet as the chief guest, while Speaker Devraj Ghimire attended it as a special guest.     CHT Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Director General Pema Gyamtsho and representatives from other participating countries also spoke at the inaugural session. The inaugural session was followed by various technical sessions.     The event is exploring common understandings, dialogues and coordination among the parliamentarians of the nations in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) sustains nearly one-fourth of humanity — providing water, food and livelihoods for 240 million people in the mountains and 1.65 billion downstream. Bangladesh need not to worry excessively about US tariff: Debapriya But the region, experts say, faces urgent and interconnected threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, disasters, and air pollution. The Federal Parliament of Nepal is hosting the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians' Meet, the largest-ever assembly of legislators from across the region. This landmark event offers policymakers a platform to deliberate on shared challenges and advance collective, trans-boundary solutions for a more resilient future. Supported by the United Kingdom International Development (UKID) through its Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) the HKH parliamentarians’ Meet 2025 aims to provide an effective platform for members of the parliaments from the HKH countries to come together, access the latest knowledge and information about the HKH region’s issues, challenges and opportunities, share experiences about the best parliamentary practices, and discuss forward-looking policy actions. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region is increasingly facing severe impacts of climate change, disaster risks, biodiversity loss, and pollution alongside accelerated socio-economic shifts with serious implications to ecosystems, natural resources, livelihoods and human life.   Given the significant role of parliamentarians in policymaking, legislation, and shaping public opinion, parliamentarians from the HKH countries can be crucial in advancing the region’s climate action and resilience agenda, organisers said. They, however, need access to essential knowledge and evidence to proactively advance gender equal and social inclusive, pro-planet, pro-mountain and pro-climate advocacy at the national, regional, and global forums. Despite sharing various environmental and socio-economic challenges, the HKH parliamentarians lack a regional platform to discuss their shared challenges and opportunities and identify solutions to address them collectively, said the organisers.