United News of Bangladesh

A high-level 15-member European delegation, primarily comprising parliamentarians and civil society members from Germany, has wrapped up a four-day study tour of Bangladesh underlining the importance of dialogue and greater understanding between Germany and Bangladesh. The know-Bangladesh-better tour was facilitated by The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) South Asia, a Germany-based organisation that promotes individual freedom and classical liberalism.  The delegation arrived in Dhaka on August 12 as part of their four-nation tour of South Asia that also took them to the Maldives, Bhutan, and India.  According to the organisers the overall goal of the visits was to foster stronger networks between European political and economic institutions and their counterparts in these countries, including Bangladesh. The objectives of the Bangladesh visit included an understanding of the current political and economic situation – progress, challenges, and outcomes that the interim government has experienced and achieved. More specifically, how the reform process is expected to bring short-term and long term improvement in governance, accountability, transparency, and strengthening of the democratic and financial institutions. European delegation arrives on a three-day visit to Bangladesh The delegation held meetings with a wide range of high ranking and well-respected individuals, several of whom represent key institutions of the country. This included bilateral meetings with Md. Asaduzzaman, attorney general of Bangladesh, Mr. Lutfey Siddiqi, chief adviser’s envoy for international affairs of Professor Muhammad Yunus,  Dr. Rudiger Lotz, German ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Frank Werner, director of Goethe-Institute, Bangladesh; and Ambassador Indra Maney Pande, secretary general, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Shahidul Islam, director at NETZ Bangladesh, a German-based NGO working for justice and development. “The visit aims to intensify connections between Europe, particularly Germany, and one of the world’s dynamic growth regions of South Asia, and to highlight the potential for mutual learning,” said Dr. Carsten Klein, regional director of the FNF South Asia. The delegation was led by Dr. Carsten Klein, regional director of FNF South Asia. “The visit aims to intensify connections between Europe, particularly Germany, and one of the world’s dynamic growth regions of South Asia, and to highlight the potential for mutual learning,” said Klein. The delegation members held interactive discussions with eminent civil society and business representatives. Major General Kazi Ashfaq Ahmed (retired) presented a paper entitled “The Bay of Bengal: A Strategic Space in the Indo-Pacific.” At another event Dr. Fahmida Khatun, an eminent economist and executive director at Centre for Policy Dialogjue and senior journalist Farid Hossain provided an analytical historical synthesis of causes or factors that led to the student-led July uprising and dramatic change of government in August last year. The delegation heard from them a balanced view of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for future governments in moving the country forward. During question-answer session some delegation members wanted to know more about the interim government’s reform initiatives, the state of the economy, the freedom of press and the national elections scheduled in February next year. The team also met with  Shahidul Islam, director of NETZ Bangladesh, a German-based NGO and witnessed a presentation on an overview of their programming activities aimed at poverty alleviation, skill development, women empowerment, and employment generation. Mr. Maksud, president of the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) and his colleagues during a meeting with the team discussed prevailing trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Germany. HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet: Ambassador hosts dinner for Bangladesh delegation    

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman hosted a dinner at Bangladesh House on Sunday in honour of the visiting Bangladesh delegation. The delegation, led by Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, arrived in Kathmandu earlier in the day to participate in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025, which begins Monday. BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Debapriya Bhattacharya, Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Md Golam Sarwar, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Director General Dr Pema Gyamtsho, Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Tasnim Jara, and its Joint Member Secretary Mir Arshadul Hoque, among others, joined the dinner.  

Palestine Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yousef SY Ramadan, on Sunday expressed his profound gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for their continued support to the people of his country. Mentioning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ambassador said, "There is no food, no medicine. Children are the main victims." The ambassador made the comment as he called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State House Jamuna on Sunday. “The Government of Bangladesh has been a great support to Palestine. Many Bangladeshi people are sending money for food and medicine. Our people know this aid is coming from Bangladesh. We are truly grateful,” he said.

A Bangladesh delegation, led by Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, arrived here on Sunday afternoon to attend the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet-2025, which is scheduled to begin on Monday.     BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Debapriya Bhattacharya, Senior Joint Member Secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara and its Joint Member Secretary Mir Arshadul Hoque, are among the delegation members. The event aims to explore common understandings, dialogues and coordination among the parliamentarians of the nations in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, it is said.     Parliamentary representatives from Nepal, India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan will also join the event. Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel will attend the meet as the chief guest, while Speaker Devraj Ghimire as special guest.     An inaugural session is scheduled to begin at 9:30am (local time) and the session will be attended by the President, Speaker, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Forest and Environment, ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho and special dignitaries from various nations.     The inaugural session will be followed by various technical sessions.    

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the demand for change does not come from him personally but from people and he is just guiding them along the path they have chosen. “It's not me. It's the people who want this change. I am just helping them to go the way they want," Dr Yunus told Bernama, the official news agency of Malaysia, in an interview during his recent visit to Malaysia. He was in the country at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from Aug 11 to 13. "I don't impose anything of my own. I just wait to see what the will of people is, and then I facilitate it," he said in a conversation with Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, together with Editor of International News Service Voon Miaw Ping and Assistant Editor of Bernama Economic Service Kisho Kumari Sucedaram. Yunus humbly described his role, less as a leader, and more as a guardian of a democratic process long denied. Yet, he acknowledged the immense challenges ahead. "There are many difficulties. Many people want to disrupt this, as the political elements that were ousted from Bangladesh are attempting to destabilise the entire system," he said, adding that many first-time voters who came of age over the past decade and a half had never cast a ballot before. He said some people had been waiting for 10 years and some even 15. "Imagine being 18 years old, excited to vote, but your chance never came because elections were never truly held. Now, they will be casting their vote for the first time in 15 years," he explained.  

The Russian House in Dhaka on Thursday hosted a special event to celebrate International Youth Day, bringing together future leaders, dreamers, and changemakers of Bangladesh for a rich cultural and educational programme. The event began with the screening of a special documentary, which showcased Russian scientific achievements and the power of the human spirit to young viewers.

Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan on Thursday said the embassy of Palestine remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for Palestinians in Bangladesh while safeguarding the dignity, rights, and security of every Palestinian student. “Our position is unequivocal: Palestinian students, especially female students, are not commodities and “are not for sale” in political or institutional agendas,” he said, while clarifying recent media reports and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and education of Palestinian students in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh, specifically the current government, has consistently extended generous support to Palestinian nationals, said the Ambassador. “This includes the facilitation of visa-on-arrival for nearly 200 students and the provision of around 280 full scholarships from more than 20 public and private universities across the country,” he said, noting that recent reporting by a national daily has misrepresented the Embassy’s position and actions concerning scholarships for female students from Gaza to study at the Asian University for Women (AUW). “The main goal and policy of the Palestinian government is to prevent the ethnic cleansing and genocide of the people of Gaza. The only people who benefit from an empty Gaza Strip are Israel and its allies as it jeopardizes the statehood of the Palestinians,” said Ambassador Yousef. Contrary to the article’s claim of “two dozen” scholarships, the Embassy in fact secured over 200, he said. The Ambassador said allegations implying that delays by the Embassy resulted in the deaths of 30 students are entirely without basis. The 30 students referenced had voluntarily withdrawn from AUW and accepted alternative scholarships arranged by the Embassy. The Embassy prioritizes the safety and well-being of Palestinian students in Bangladesh, particularly female students. “While the Embassy welcomes the arrival of Palestinian students to Bangladesh, it cannot endorse their placement in institutions whose affiliations or funding sources contradict the Palestinian national interest,” said the Ambassador, hinting at the reason why they do not endorse the studentships at AUW. Five Western governments, it said, including the United States of America, have pressured the Palestinian Ambassador in Dhaka to accept students for enrolment at AUW. The Embassy emphasized that Bangladesh has consistently supported Palestine’s cause and will not aid institutions working in alignment with Israeli government objectives, especially their goal of ethnically cleansing the Palestinians from Gaza to create a “Riviera of the Middle East”.

Bangladeshi workers, living in Malaysia, will now enjoy similar social benefits and protection like the Malaysian workers while efforts are underway to regularise the irregular or undocumented Bangladeshis in Malaysia, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday. "It’s a very fruitful visit. It's a landmark official visit which helped make the existing friendly relations between the two countries stronger and take the partnership to a new height,” Alam told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy while talking about Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ just-concluded three-day visit to Malaysia. Bangladesh also flagged the issue of new recruitment and identified security guards and caregivers as two prospective areas, said the Press Secretary, hoping that they will see some progress soon. Alam said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim talked to the Chief Adviser over the phone as Prof Yunus and the Bangladesh delegation arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday evening. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exchanged pleasantries with Prof Yunus, saying that he would now discuss the bilateral issues they discussed in the delegation level meeting in the Malaysian cabinet. The Chief Adviser thanked his longtime friend, Prime Minister Anwar, for hosting him for the landmark visit. Prof Yunus urges Malaysian conglomerates to invest in Bangladesh’s potential sectors The Malaysian Prime Minister said the official visit of the Chief Adviser strengthened the friendly Malaysia-Bangladesh relationship that has been forged since the diplomatic relationship was sealed in 1972. This opens up new opportunities for cooperation for the common benefit, particularly in advancing good relations and economic growth of the two countries in the fields of defense, energy, strategic and international studies, in addition to capacity development in the field of semiconductor technology as well as trade promotion, he said. “I feel much honoured to see the achievements and positive development of the bilateral Malaysia-Bangladesh relationship, particularly in strengthening the strategic and high-impact multi-sector cooperation,” said Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail. He said the official visit was not just a diplomatic event, but a turning point to a range of important initiatives, including the signing of five MoUs and the exchange of three notes covering the areas of defense, energy, halal, research, education, semiconductor and the blue economy. The Home Minister said this demonstrates the commitment of both countries to design a more progressive, inclusive and mutually beneficial future. Malaysia likely to offer 'Graduate Plus' visa for Bangladeshi students Saifuddin said the implementation of Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) for Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia allows legal workers to return to visit their families in their homeland and return to Malaysia without having to apply for a new visa each time of the trip. “This step is a symbol of Malaysia's appreciation for the immense contribution of Bangladeshis, who have not only been the driving force in various economic sectors, but have also become a part of the large community of the country,” said the Malaysian Home Minister. Saifuddin said the implementation of this MEV also reflects Malaysia's bravery in pioneering a more friendly, inclusive and progressive approach to the management of foreign workers. As the ministry responsible for domestic security and immigration management, the Malaysian Home Minister said the Ministry takes seriously the developments in Myanmar and its implications for regional stability and security. Malaysia also noted Bangladesh's crucial role in addressing the refugee issue, particularly the Rohingya community, and will continue to support solution efforts through diplomatic channels and multilateral cooperation. Prof Yunus vows to strengthen democracy, return power to people “KDN (Ministry of Home Affairs) believes that regional peace can only be achieved through the close cooperation of ASEAN and the support of the international community. In this regard, KDN supports the ASEAN peaceful mission to Myanmar that will be led by the Foreign Minister together with regional friends to hold dialogue with stakeholders in order to achieve sustainable solutions,” Saifuddin said. The minister said his ministry will continue to play a key role in ensuring that these policies and agreements work smoothly, including the management of foreign workers, border security and the monitoring of the implementation of the agreed MoU. The Malaysian minister said these diplomatic ties are not only important on paper, but have a real impact on the citizens of both countries - from job opportunities and skills enhancement, to joint economic development. “I believe, with a strong foundation built, Malaysia and Bangladesh are able to go further as regional and global strategic partners, guided by the principles of mutual respect, trust and a willingness to share benefits,” he said.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus returned home from Malaysia on Wednesday night, wrapping up his three-day official visit, stressing that the two countries together can build a future which is prosperous, innovative, resilient and inclusive. A commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:10pm, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Bangladesh says it is stepping into a new era and seeks to deepen cooperation with Malaysia, exploring emerging opportunities in sectors such as the semiconductor industry, the halal economy, renewable energy and entrepreneurship. "Our two countries have always shared strong ties, built on mutual respect, cultural exchange and a shared dream of progress. Bangladesh and Malaysia have walked together in many ways. We have supported each other in our journeys toward growth and prosperity," Prof Yunus said on Wednesday at a programme in Kuala Lumpur. Prof Yunus urges Malaysian conglomerates to invest in Bangladesh’s potential sectors He said Malaysia has been a trusted friend, helping Bangladesh in developing human resources and advancing technology. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held the official talks and witnessed the signing of the MoUs and exchange of notes in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya on Tuesday. The two countries signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and exchanged three notes in diverse areas to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. In an effort to address migrant issues effectively, Bangladesh strongly raised the issue of 'undocumented or irregular’ Bangladeshi migrants with Malaysia’s highest authorities, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Tuesday night. Prof Yunus vows to strengthen democracy, return power to people In response to a question, Alam acknowledged that there are long-term structural issues in migration management but said efforts are underway to address all migration-related challenges.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urged Malaysia’s leading conglomerates to invest in Bangladesh’s affordable housing, ports, healthcare and education sectors. The call came during a series of meetings in Kuala Lumpur with some of Malaysia’s most prominent business leaders. Prof Yunus invited Jeffrey Cheah, chairman and founder of the Sunway Group, to invest in affordable housing in Bangladesh, particularly for the growing number of factory workers living near industrial parks and economic zones. “It is time to invest in Bangladesh,” said Professor Yunus, highlighting the reforms undertaken by his government to create a more business-friendly environment. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun underscored the urgent need for large-scale investment in housing and construction, especially in the southeastern region where new ports and economic zones are being developed, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. “Bangladesh is witnessing rapid urbanisation. We need massive investment to build homes and facilities for millions of workers and new city residents,” he said. He also encouraged the Sunway Group, one of Malaysia’s largest healthcare providers, to establish hospitals in Bangladesh. Cheah responded that his companies would ‘definitely’ explore business opportunities in the country and expressed interest in offering scholarships to Bangladeshi students, noting that tens of thousands of Bangladeshis currently work in Sunway’s construction and housing divisions. Praising Bangladeshi workers, Cheah revealed he had urged Malaysian authorities to extend their permitted stay beyond six years. In a separate meeting, Malaysian tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, the owner of national carmaker Proton and infrastructure giant MMC Corporation Berhad, voiced his commitment to supporting Bangladesh through investment. Prof Yunus vows to strengthen democracy, return power to people “It’s not just for profit-making; we want to do this because of the Bangladeshi people,” he said during his meeting with Prof Yunus. Syed Mokhtar also emphasised the importance of responsible relocation in projects affecting river development and fishing communities. Professor Yunus reiterated that the Interim Government of Bangladesh had introduced wide-ranging reforms to ease business and investment procedures. BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury identified solar energy and agro-processing as priority investment sectors. Syed Mokhtar expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s solar potential, noting his group’s interest in both renewable energy and food security. Prof Yunus honoured with UKM’s Doctorate for pioneering social business As a gesture of goodwill, Syed Mokhtar presented Professor Yunus with a book compiling 20 years of research on the 18th-century Indian anti-colonial ruler Tipu Sultan.