United News of Bangladesh

Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, is set to extend a warm welcome to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who left here for Kuala Lumpur on Monday afternoon to begin a three-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, carrying Prof Yunus and his entourage, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:00 pm, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. The trip comes as a reciprocal gesture following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Bangladesh in October 2024. Prime Minister Anwar, a long-time friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been a steadfast supporter of Bangladesh and its development initiatives. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and foster stronger cooperation in areas of mutual benefits, building upon the strong foundation established since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, said the Malaysian side. Both leaders are expected to review the progress of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, labour, education, tourism, and defence. The discussions will also include regional and international developments of mutual interest, said the officials. The Chief Adviser will be accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex, Putrajaya (administrative capital) on Tuesday, followed by a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Both leaders will also witness the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of defence, energy, strategic and international studies, capacity building in semiconductors and trade promotion, as well as the exchange of notes in the areas of diplomatic training and higher education. In honour of the Chief Adviser and his delegation, the Malaysian Prime Minister will host an official luncheon at the Seri Perdana Complex. On August 13, the Chief Adviser is scheduled to deliver a public lecture and he will be conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Business by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Prof Yunus will also have a session with members of the Yunus Social Business Centre community and the university network, in a programme jointly organised by UKM. Prof Yunus' Malaysia visit to be crucial, action-packed: Shafiqul Alam In 2024, the total trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia reached USD 2.92 billion, an increase of 5.1 per cent compared with 2023. Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia, and major exports include petroleum products, palm oil and chemicals, while imports from Bangladesh comprise textiles, footwear, petroleum products, and manufactures. Crucial, Action-Packed Visit Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the visit as a ‘very crucial and important’ step towards elevating relations between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to a new height. “The visit is an action-packed one, and we expect it to be successful. We will hold deeper and broader discussions on all issues," Alam said. Malaysia remains a key destination for Bangladeshi workers, he said, adding sam recruitment and visa-related matters will be addressed during the visit. "Migration and investment will get a special attention," Alam said. Bangladesh will also seek Malaysian cooperation in deep-sea fishing and electric vehicle manufacturing through joint ventures, said the Press Secretary. Director General (Public Diplomacy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shah Asif Rahman said five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), covering a number of areas, are expected to be signed, alongside exchanging three additional notes of cooperation. The MoUs are likely to be signed on defence cooperation, energy cooperation, formation of Business Councils (FBCCI and NCCIM), Cooperation between BMCCI and Malaysian institution MIMOS and Cooperation between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Asif Rahman said. In addition, he said, there are possibilities of a total of three ‘exchanges of notes’ between the two countries on cooperation in the halal ecosystem, higher education and diplomatic training academy. The Chief Adviser and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will witness the signing of the MoUs and the ‘exchange of notes.' DG Asif Rahman said Bangladesh's application to become a 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner' of ASEAN and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be strongly highlighted during the visit. In addition, he said, ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, will be called upon to play a more active and effective role in the repatriation of Rohingyas. Asif Rahman said this visit will play an important role in elevating the existing bilateral and economic relations with Malaysia to a new height. "We are optimistic that this visit will further strengthen the foundation of mutual respect, trust and cooperation between the two brotherly countries," he said. Bangladesh and Malaysia will hold the highest-level talks in Putrajaya on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve tangible outcomes in multiple sectors, including trade, investment and labour cooperation. Prof Yunus to meet Malaysian PM in Putrajaya Tuesday to boost cooperation in key sectors Ensuring the smooth and transparent recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, expanding cooperation in energy, trade, higher education, halal food production, the blue economy and addressing the Rohingya crisis are among the issues to be discussed, officials said. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam are accompanying the Chief Adviser during the visit that will see a series of other meetings in addition to bilateral talks. Last October, the Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to Bangladesh, the first by any head of government since the interim government assumed office. He was accompanied by a 58-member delegation, including ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament and senior Malaysian officials. Formal Welcome Ceremony The official welcome ceremony will be held on Tuesday morning at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will receive the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus will inspect the guard of honour as the national anthems of both countries will be played. He will then be introduced to the Malaysian delegation and will, in turn, present the Bangladeshi delegation to the Prime Minister before signing the guest book. Upon his arrival at Bunga Raya VVIP Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday, Prof Yunus will be received at the boarding bridge by Malaysia’s Chief of Protocol. He will then be escorted to the VVIP Complex, where he will be welcomed by Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail and accorded a static guard of honour. Following the private and delegation-level talks, the two leaders will witness the exchange of MoUs and notes, after which they will address a joint press conference. Both in the private and delegation-level meetings, the issues of recruiting new Bangladeshi workers in various sectors of Malaysia, recruiting more professionals, and ensuring the facilities and benefits of workers will be discussed with great importance, DG Asif Rahman said. Prof Yunus will later attend a Business Forum jointly to be organised by the Bangladesh High Commission, BIDA, and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), where the formation of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council will be announced. The Chief Adviser will attend a series of courtesy meetings before joining dinner to be hosted by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. Malaysia to recruit limited number of Bangladeshi workers through BOESL University Visit and Sectoral Meetings On Wednesday morning, Prof Yunus will visit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The King of Negeri Sembilan and Chancellor of UKM, Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors will attend the ceremony, where Prof Yunus will be presented with an academic gown. Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun will hold talks with the Vice President of Petronas. Separate meetings have been requested for Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi with Malaysia’s Minister for Human Resources, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security (fisheries and deep-sea fishing), and Minister for Sports. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return to Dhaka on Wednesday night. Dhaka’s ASEAN Ambition In late July, Prof Yunus renewed his call for Malaysia to support Bangladesh’s bid to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We want to become part of ASEAN, and we will need your support," he told Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice President of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna. Want to become part of ASEAN, says Prof Yunus seeking Malaysia’s support Bangladesh applied to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 2020. The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, will take an active role in facilitating Bangladesh’s application and eventual full membership. He also encouraged Malaysian firms to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s demographic advantage. "Asia is ageing rapidly, but Bangladesh has a lot of young people. Half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export from Bangladesh — it will benefit both our economies," he said.

Newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz on Monday said he is convinced that Bangladesh can achieve its immense potential through this period of restructuring. "Germany and Bangladesh share a longstanding relationship; we will continue to walk this path together," he said. Ambassador Lotz presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban on August 7.  The ceremony marks the official start of Ambassador Lotz’s tenure in Bangladesh.     

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed China's interest in cooperating across various areas of disaster management, reaffirming the country’s readiness to assist Bangladesh in disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction efforts. The ambassador made the remarks during a courtesy call on Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik at the Secretariat on Sunday. The adviser welcomed the cooperation and described China as a key partner of Bangladesh’s disaster management initiatives. During the meeting, both sides discussed the scope of bilateral cooperation in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, with emphasis on deepening the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China through enhanced collaboration in disaster management. The adviser said that the establishment of a self-contained National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) has been initiated to centrally coordinate disaster management activities. "Its activities will start soon with the financial and technical assistance of the Chinese government. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the two countries."

British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said “dirty politics” of Bangladesh has turned her life on its head. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian she also described her indictment in a graft case as a consequence of a wider political feud. “The truth is that I’m collateral damage, because of this feud between Muhammad Yunus and my aunt,” she said.  “These are wider forces that I’m battling against … There’s no doubt people have done wrong things in Bangladesh, and they should be punished for it. It’s just I’m not one of them.” Tulip was charged with using her influence as the niece of Sheikh Hasina to secure a plot of land for her mother, brother and sister in Purbachal in Dhaka, the capital. “Completely absurd,” Siddiq said about the graft allegation. A trial date has been set for 11 August for her and more than 20 others. When asked where she would make an appearance in person or by videolink she said, “I’m taking advice from Hugo Keith KC, who’s advising me on what my next steps are,” she says. “I’m yet to see an official summons … I mean, I’m supposedly days away from a showcase trial in a foreign country, and I still don’t know what the charges are against me. I feel a bit like I’m trapped in this Kafkaesque nightmare where I’ve been put on trial and I genuinely haven’t found out what the allegations are and what the trial is about.” Siddiq, who represented Hampstead and Highgate and served as a Treasury minister until January, said, “There’s no extradition treaty, I looked that up myself actually.” She learned of her indictment just over a week ago from a journalist who contacted her lawyer. Bangladeshi authorities have said she could be tried in absentia, and the question of extradition may arise if she is convicted. “I’m not here to defend my aunt. I know there’s an investigation going on about how her term in government ended. And I really hope the people of Bangladesh get the closure that they want,” she says. Stories emerged accusing her of embezzling $5 billion from a nuclear power deal with Russia, based partly on a 2013 photo of her with Hasina and Vladimir Putin in Moscow. She insisted she had no political role during that trip. “My aunt went on a state visit to Russia, and my sister and I decided to travel from London to go see her in Russia,” she says. “I was not involved in any sort of political discussions. We were sightseeing, and we were having a good time, just going to restaurants, shopping. Then on the last day, all the politicians who were there, their families were invited to a tea and reception, and a photo was taken. I met Putin for two minutes.” She also rejected claims she was gifted a London flat, explaining it belonged to her ‘godfather’ and that a previous comment to the press about her parents buying it was due to their faulty memory. It was a mistake, grounded in the failing memory of her elderly parents, who separated a quarter of a century ago, she says. Siddiq said she temporarily moved into another property for security reasons after being warned of a threat, paying market rent. She resigned in order to stop the story from being a distraction for the government despite Starmer’s continued support, she says.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday described Prof Muhammad Yunus’ three-day official visit to Malaysia as a ‘very crucial and important’ step towards elevating relations between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to a new height. “The visit will be an action-packed one, and we expect it to be successful. We will hold deeper and broader discussions on all issues," Alam said while briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Malaysia remains a key destination for Bangladeshi workers, he said, confirming that recruitment and visa-related matters will be addressed during the visit.  "Migration and investment will get a special attention," Alam said. Bangladesh will also seek Malaysian cooperation in deep-sea fishing and electric vehicle manufacturing through joint ventures, said the Press Secretary. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was also present at the briefing. Director General (Public Diplomacy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shah Asif Rahman said five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), covering a number of areas, are expected to be signed, alongside exchanging three additional notes of cooperation.   The MoUs are likely to be signed on defence cooperation, energy cooperation, formation of Business Councils (FBCCI and NCCIM), Cooperation between BMCCI and Malaysian institution MIMOS and Cooperation between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Asif Rahman said. In addition, he said, there are possibilities of a total of three ‘exchanges of notes’ between the two countries on cooperation in the halal ecosystem, higher education and diplomatic training academy. The Chief Adviser and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will witness the signing of the MoUs and the ‘exchange of notes.' DG Asif Rahman said Bangladesh's application to become a 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner' of ASEAN and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be strongly highlighted during the visit. In addition, he said, ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, will be called upon to play a more active and effective role in the repatriation of Rohingyas. Asif Rahman said this visit will play an important role in elevating the existing bilateral and economic relations with Malaysia to a new height. "We are optimistic that this visit will further strengthen the foundation of mutual respect, trust and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.   Bangladesh and Malaysia will hold the highest-level talks in Putrajaya on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve tangible outcomes in multiple sectors, including trade, investment and labour cooperation. Prof Yunus is scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Kuala Lumpur on Monday on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a long-time friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and a strong supporter of Bangladesh. Ensuring the smooth and transparent recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, expanding cooperation in energy, trade, higher education, halal food production, the blue economy and addressing the Rohingya crisis are among the issues to be discussed, officials said. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam are likely to accompany the Chief Adviser during the visit that will see a series of other meetings in addition to bilateral talks. Last October, the Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to Bangladesh, the first by any head of government since the interim government assumed office. He was accompanied by a 58-member delegation, including ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament and senior Malaysian officials. Prof Yunus to meet Malaysian PM in Putrajaya Tuesday to boost cooperation in key sectors Formal Welcome Ceremony The official welcome ceremony will be held on Tuesday morning at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will receive the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus will inspect the guard of honour as the national anthems of both countries will be played. He will then be introduced to the Malaysian delegation and will, in turn, present the Bangladeshi delegation to the Prime Minister before signing the guest book. Upon his arrival at Bunga Raya VVIP Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday, Prof Yunus will be received at the boarding bridge by Malaysia’s Chief of Protocol. He will then be escorted to the VVIP Complex, where he will be welcomed by Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail and accorded a static guard of honour. Following the private and delegation-level talks, the two leaders will witness the exchange of MoUs and notes, after which they will address a joint press conference. Both in the private and delegation-level meetings, the issues of recruiting new Bangladeshi workers in various sectors of Malaysia, recruiting more professionals, and ensuring the facilities and benefits of workers will be discussed with great importance, DG Asif Rahman said. The Malaysian Prime Minister will also host an official lunch in honour of Prof Yunus at Putrajaya. Prof Yunus will later attend a Business Forum jointly to be organised by the Bangladesh High Commission, BIDA, and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), where the formation of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council will be announced. The Chief Adviser will attend a series of courtesy meetings before joining dinner to be hosted by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. University Visit and Sectoral Meetings On Wednesday morning, Prof Yunus will visit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The King of Negeri Sembilan and Chancellor of UKM, Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors will attend the ceremony, where Prof Yunus will be presented with an academic gown. Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun will hold talks with the Vice President of Petronas. Separate meetings have been requested for Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi with Malaysia’s Minister for Human Resources, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security (fisheries and deep-sea fishing), and Minister for Sports. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return to Dhaka on Wednesday night. Dhaka’s ASEAN Ambition In late July, Prof Yunus renewed his call for Malaysia to support Bangladesh’s bid to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We want to become part of ASEAN, and we will need your support," he told Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice President of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna. Bangladesh applied to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 2020. The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, will take an active role in facilitating Bangladesh’s application and eventual full membership. He also encouraged Malaysian firms to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s demographic advantage. "Asia is ageing rapidly, but Bangladesh has a lot of young people. Half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export from Bangladesh — it will benefit both our economies," he said.

Medical treatment for persons with intellectual disabilities is available at hospitals in China, said Shen Ling, Vice President of Kunming Tongren Hospital. She said Kunming Tongren Hospital, a leading private healthcare facility in Yunnan Province, has successfully treated a large number of such patients. Shen Ling said a Bangladeshi family recently received treatment for their teenage son at the hospital. She shared a video message from the patient’s family during an exchange of views with a group of Bangladeshi journalists who visited Kunming for three days, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Sunday. In the video message, the patient’s father said he was unable to find the required treatment in some neighbouring countries, including India, and noted that treatment in certain countries was prohibitively expensive. He explained that later, he travelled to China, where he found the treatment available at an affordable cost. China vows hassle-free healthcare for Bangladeshi patients in Yunnan He added that the hospital’s specialists had explained the full course of treatment in detail before it began and that the family agreed to proceed after understanding the process. Shen Ling emphasised that Kunming Tongren Hospital has a sufficient number of doctors and medical professionals to treat intellectually disabled children. She also mentioned that the hospital provides interpreter services to help overcome language barriers. A 23-member media delegation, led by Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, visited Kunming between August 6 and 9 to see the health facilities available in the capital city of China's Yunnan Province. The delegation returned home on Saturday.

Bangladesh and Malaysia are set to hold the highest-level talks in Putrajaya on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve tangible outcomes in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and labour cooperation. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Kuala Lumpur on Monday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a long-time friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and a strong supporter of Bangladesh, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Ensuring the smooth and transparent recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, expanding cooperation in energy, trade, higher education, halal food production, the blue economy and addressing the Rohingya crisis are among the issues to be discussed, the official said. A number of cooperation documents in the form of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and notes are expected to be signed during the visit. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said on Saturday that the media will be briefed in detail about the visit at 3pm on Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun are likely to accompany the Chief Adviser during the visit that will see a series of other meetings in addition to bilateral talks. Dhaka reaffirms strong commitment to BIMSTEC process with enhanced cooperation Last October, the Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to Bangladesh, the first by any head of government since the interim government assumed office. He was accompanied by a 58-member delegation, including ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament and senior Malaysian officials. Formal Welcome Ceremony The official welcome ceremony will be held on Tuesday morning at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will receive the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus will inspect the guard of honour  as the national anthems of both countries will be played. He will then be introduced to the Malaysian delegation and will, in turn, present the Bangladeshi delegation to the Prime Minister before signing the guest book. Upon his arrival at Bunga Raya VVIP Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday, Prof Yunus will be received at the boarding bridge by Malaysia’s Chief of Protocol. Malaysia to recruit limited number of Bangladeshi workers through BOESL He will then be escorted to the VVIP Complex, where he will be welcomed by Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail and accorded a static guard of honour. Following delegation-level talks, the two leaders will witness the exchange of MoUs and notes, after which they will address a joint press conference. The Malaysian Prime Minister will also host an official lunch in honour of Prof Yunus at Putrajaya. Prof Yunus will later attend a Business Forum jointly to be organised by the Bangladesh High Commission, BIDA, and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), where the formation of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council will be announced. The Chief Adviser will attend a series of courtesy meetings before joining dinner to be hosted by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. University Visit and Sectoral Meetings On Wednesday morning, Prof Yunus will visit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The King of Negeri Sembilan and Chancellor of UKM, Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, pro-chancellors, and vice-chancellors will attend the ceremony, where Prof Yunus will be presented with an academic gown. Want to become part of ASEAN, says Prof Yunus seeking Malaysia’s support Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun will hold talks with the Vice President of Petronas. Separate meetings have been requested for Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi with Malaysia’s Minister for Human Resources, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security (fisheries and deep-sea fishing), and Minister for Sports. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return to Dhaka on Wednesday night. Dhaka’s ASEAN Ambition In late July, Prof Yunus renewed his call for Malaysia to support Bangladesh’s bid to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We want to become part of ASEAN, and we will need your support," he told Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice President of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna. Bangladesh applied to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 2020. The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, will take an active role in facilitating Bangladesh’s application and eventual full membership. He also encouraged Malaysian firms to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s demographic advantage. "Asia is ageing rapidly, but Bangladesh has a lot of young people. Half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export from Bangladesh — it will benefit both our economies," he said.

A specialised UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) has arrived in Bangladesh to provide advanced medical care to those injured in the tragic aircraft crash at Milestone School on July 21. The nine-member medical team comprises highly experienced clinical professionals, including infectious disease specialists, intensive care doctors, infection prevention and control nurses and rehabilitation specialists, said the British High Commission in Dhaka. Over the next three weeks, they will work with local clinicians to deliver critical care and rehabilitation services to injured students receiving treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Indian medical team completes mission in Bangladesh, returns home British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Saturday said the UK stands in solidarity with those affected by this tragic incident and wanted to extend its support. “I am confident that the specialised treatment offered by the UK medical team will accelerate the recovery and rehabilitation of the injured students," she said.

Ahead of International Youth Day, UNICEF has officially launched the Young People Advisory Group (YPAG) in Bangladesh, marking a major milestone in the organization’s commitment to elevating youth voices and fostering meaningful engagement in shaping policies and programmes that affect children and young people across the country. International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. The theme of International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, highlights the unique role of youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities, said the United Nations. This year’s IYD will also underscore the essential role of local and regional governments. As the world embarks on the final stretch toward 2030, IYD 2025 calls for real investments in inclusive policies and programmes that leverage local youth actions for the SDGs. Formed by alumni of UNICEF’s Young Leadership Programme, organised in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) of the National University of Singapore— the YPAG is a platform of highly trained, committed young leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and networks to influence real and lasting change. The Young Leadership Programme was launched at the request of Chief Adviser Prof Mohammed Yunus, according to the UNICEF. During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly last year, Prof Yunus urged an environment where young people can thrive, innovate and lead. At the same time, YPAG, will build on the need, stressed by the Chief Adviser on his UNGA speech, on the vital connection between youth empowerment and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This initiative is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in young people: they lead, they inspire, and they deliver impact,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. “The Young People Advisory Group is  more than a platform—it is a force for accountability, for inclusion, and for action. The leadership programme they undertook has taught invaluable skills to influence and channel their passion for change in Bangladesh through dialogue and policy change - shoulder to shoulder with older, more seasoned policy crafters, said the UNICEF Representative. Bangladesh, Unicef launch nationwide SKILFO These young leaders have already demonstrated their commitment to change, Rana Flowers said, adding that now, they will help ensure that UNICEF and partners stay accountable to the priorities and rights of Bangladesh’s children. The launch comes at a critical moment in the country’s future. With national elections expected shortly, the voices of young people are more essential than ever. The newly formed YPAG will play a leading role in shaping advocacy to ensure children’s rights remain at the center of the public discussion throughout this critical transition. “The formation of YPAG could not be more timely. It is clearer than ever that young people are not only ready to lead, but have already begun shaping the future of this nation,” said Saria Chowdhury, member of the Young People Advisory Group. “Our goal with YPAG is not just to change minds—but to help shape a more just and inclusive nation by inspiring civic participation and policy awareness among young people,” said Neamul Islam, member of the Young People Advisory Group. Building on their leadership training and shared commitment to social change, the group will provide strategic input into UNICEF’s programme design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring these are more responsive to youth needs. The members will also lead advocacy efforts at local and national levels, mentor younger participants in UNICEF’s youth initiatives, and spearhead alumni-led projects focused on critical child rights issues. By elevating young voices and fostering intergenerational collaboration, the YPAG will help UNICEF remain accountable to the communities it serves and empower a new generation of leaders to drive sustained impact. This model draws on successful UNICEF initiatives in countries like Malaysia, Iraq, and Thailand and is tailored to the unique context of Bangladesh—one where young people are not only the future but also the present drivers of innovation, equity, and social transformation. UNICEF believes that by investing in the leadership and expertise of youth, we can ensure more responsive, sustainable, and impactful programmes that truly address the needs and aspirations of all children and young people.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to the BIMSTEC process and emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas. He mentioned trade and investment, connectivity, energy, climate change, and people-to-people contacts as areas of cooperation. The issues were discussed when Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey paid a courtesy call on the foreign secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently. At the meeting, the secretary general briefed the foreign secretary on the latest progress and current efforts within the BIMSTEC framework, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recognising Bangladesh's key contribution to promoting BIMSTEC initiatives, Pandey highlighted the need for enhanced regional collaboration. BIMSTEC for addressing security challenges that hinder dev aspirations As current chair, the foreign secretary reiterated Bangladesh's readiness to host BIMSTEC sectoral meetings as per convenience. They also discussed possible initiatives during Bangladesh's BIMSTEC chairmanship to further advance regional cooperation towards realizing the vision of prosperous, resilient and open BIMSTEC. The foreign secretary welcomed the secretary general’s assurance of full support during Bangladesh’s chairmanship of BIMSTEC.