United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi hosted an event for investors and business leaders from India on Thursday evening, at its premises in the diplomatic enclave of the Indian capital. Representatives from a range of medium and large enterprises participated in the event to explore potential investment opportunities in Bangladesh, ahead of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, set to take place from April 7-10 in Dhaka. During the event, Acting Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Nurul Islam emphasized that Bangladesh is now led by new leadership with a renewed vision, and the country is progressing rapidly, offering a favorable climate for investment, according to a message received from the Mission. "With abundant energy resources and a competitive workforce, it’s hard to find a better destination for foreign investment that promises significant returns," it quoted the Acting High Commissioner as saying. Abdullah Al Mamun, Minister (Political) at the High Commission, presented to the gathered investors and business leaders. Iftekhar Uddin Shamin, Counselor (Commerce), and Johirul Islam, Counselor (Economic), addressed questions from Indian investors and businesspeople during the Q&A session. The event was attended by representatives from major corporations, including Ashok Leyland and Larsen & Toubro.

Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid has called for enhanced global cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and urged stronger partnerships, increased investments, and renewed commitments to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. She made the call while delivering Bangladesh’s national statement at the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York on Thursday. Adviser Murshid underscored the role of women, who have historically been a part of every national struggle for self-emancipation, democracy and social justice. "Women, in the forefront of the July uprising, 2024 – an uprising against fascism and injustice – were 65% of the young revolutionaries”, she added. She also stated that with the fall of the fascist government of Sheikh Hasina, the interim government took over to bring the nation back on the road to democracy, and the gender landscape of Bangladesh changed forever. She said that committed to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the interim government has initiated a transformative reform agenda to eliminate discrimination, and for the first time, a “Women Affairs Reform Commission” has been established to address the barriers to gender disparity, the elimination of violence against women as a fundamental prerequisite to empowering women. The interim government has launched Quick Response Teams to reach victims of violence within 24 hours of occurrence. In her statement, Adviser Murshid underscored the importance of the removal of the reservations of CEDAW articles 13 (a), 16.1 (f) and 16.1 (c). As part of the CSW69 session, Adviser Murshid participated in the Ministerial Roundtable on “National Mechanisms for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls: Recommitting, Resourcing, and Accelerating Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action to Contribute to the Achievement of the SDGs’’ and shared Bangladesh’s experiences and best practices in the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. On the sidelines of CSW69, Adviser Murshid held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from China, Sweden, Mexico and Finland and discussed areas of collaboration on women’s development, gender equality, efforts to combat violence against women and children and the development of a care economy as a social business in Bangladesh. The adviser is also set to deliver a keynote speech at the high-level side event, jointly organised by Bangladesh, Nepal and Finland on “Investing in Care-A pathway to Economic Growth and Gender Equality” where ministers from Nepal, high-level government representatives from Bangladesh, Nepal and Finland, as well as representatives from UN Women, ILO, ADB and the World Bank, civil society and international organisations will participate. She will also hold bilateral meetings with Türkiye and Tunisia. Adviser Murshid is on an official visit to New York and Washington, D.C., to attend the sixty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, being held from March 10 to 21, and to engage with the World Bank on matters related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, investing in social care, partnership on economic inclusion, strengthening social protection and multisectoral approaches to combatting gender-based violence.

President of Gono Odhikar Parishad Nurul Haq Nur on Thursday hoped the next national election, likely to be held in December, will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s national journey. He also expressed his hope that the election will be "free, fair, inclusive, and representative of the people's will." "In just few months’ time, Bangladesh will stand at a critical crossroads with its upcoming general election widely expected to be held in December 2025," Nur said while speaking at an iftar hosted by his party at a city hotel. Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan, among others, spoke at the event attended by political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members and senior journalists. Govt to hold elections on schedule, no way to delay the vote: CA Yunus Nur called upon the international community, development partners, and diplomatic missions to continue their support. "Your role is crucial in helping ensure that the election process is transparent, participatory, and beyond reproach." He said a truly democratic Bangladesh cannot emerge in isolation and it requires international vigilance, moral encouragement, and principled engagement. "I am confident that, together, we will build a Bangladesh that sets a global example of democracy and good governance," Nur said. He said Bangladesh is a haven for communal harmony, where Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and people of all faiths and ethnicities live side by side in mutual respect and peace. Nur said they are working on long-term plans to rebuild Bangladesh — focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, industrial growth, and scientific and technological advancement. December cut-off time for next election: Khosru    "Our vision is a nation where every citizen can fulfill their potential," he said, adding thst they reject political division, hatred, and exclusion. "Instead, we advocate for tolerance, inclusivity, and a democratic culture that nurtures diversity and unity," Nur said.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh’s interim government is committed to holding elections on schedule, refusing to delay the vote for any demands. Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by Dr. Comfort Ero, Professor Yunus confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections. He assured the group the dates would not change. Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to elections, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. “We have no reason to change the election dates,” he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair. Regarding the Awami League,  Yunus stated that the interim Government has no plan to ban the party, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladesh's courts.

Speakers at a roundtable discussion stressed the importance of gender equality to achieve sustainable development and ensure rights to all. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh, the Embassy of the Philippines, and DIPLOMATS World Publication jointly organised the high-level roundtable discussion, titled "For All Women and Girls: Unlocking Rights, Power, and Opportunities," on Wednesday at the UNOPS Bangladesh office, said a media release. With calls for concrete actions to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, the event was held in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, reinforcing global commitments to gender equality, empowerment, and inclusivity. The discussion underscored the significance of 2025 as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework for advancing women’s rights worldwide. Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh,  said"Achieving gender equality is not just a goal—it is a necessity for sustainable development. At UNOPS, we are committed to ensuring that all women and girls have the rights, power, and opportunities to shape their own futures. Through inclusive infrastructure, gender-responsive procurement policies, and meaningful partnerships, we provide practical solutions to build a world where no one is left behind." The event brought together policy-makers, diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, and youth leaders, fostering a meaningful dialogue on ensuring gender equality in Bangladesh and beyond. In closing remarks, Nina P. Cainglet, Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh, emphasised the need to cultivate mentorship and networking opportunities for women to share best practices, and to critically examine societal norms and change the narratives around gender. While women have made major strides in various fields, Ambassador Cainglet also recognized that some systemic obstacles are deeply ingrained and joint efforts among stakeholders are needed in order to advocate for policies that promote gender equity. To showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of Filipino women and women-owned businesses, the Philippine Embassy set up a mini-exhibit featuring curated products, such as handwoven fabrics, accessories, purses and home decor.  

The United States (US) has welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh, noting that they “condemn” any instances of violence or intolerance directed toward members of minority communities in any country. “That’s what we’re watching. That’s what we expect. And that will be what continues,” said US State Department’s Spokesperson Tammy Bruce while responding to a question at a regular media briefing in Washington on March 19 when a questioner referred to US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s recent remarks. Reacting to remarks made by Tulsi Gabbard, the interim government on Monday said groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an "Islamist caliphate” undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability and progress. Australia to issue visas for Bangladeshis from Dhaka In a statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government said Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of “Islamist caliphate”. The government noted with deep concern and distress the remarks made by Tulsi Gabbard, in which she alleged “persecution and killing” of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that “the threat of Islamic terrorists” in the country is “rooted” in the “ideology and objective” to “rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate." This statement, the interim government said, is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism. "Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations. They paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush," said the government in its statement. Bangladesh, like many countries around the world, has faced challenges of extremism, but it has continuously worked in partnership with the international community, including the US, to address these issues through law enforcement, social reforms, and other counterterrorism efforts, the government said.

Australia has conveyed to Bangladesh that they would now process visas for Bangladeshi citizens from its High Commission in Dhaka. Australian Home Minister Tony Burke called Bangladesh Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury over phone on Thursday to inform him about the decision. The Home Adviser conveyed it to the Council of Advisers on Thursday that the decision would be effective immediately. Dhaka urges Rome to resolve backlog of visa applications by aspirant migrants Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus made the request to Australian Home Minister Burke when he visited Bangladesh in October last year, said CA’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Previously, Australia would process the visas of Bangladeshi nationals in New Delhi.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has said securing new economic partnerships and sustaining Bangladesh’s growth trajectory are now the top priorities of the government as Bangladesh is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. “In 2026, Bangladesh is set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. This transition marks a milestone in our economic and diplomatic journey,” he said while speaking at an iftar-dinner event on Wednesday evening. The Foreign Secretary said diplomatic efforts are crucial for attracting international investments, enhancing multilateral cooperation and building strategic partnerships with developed nations. Army chief meets CA, briefs him on country’s security situation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her country's desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen the friendship with Bangladesh. Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) presented his letter of credence to the President of Mexico in a formal ceremony at the National Palace in Mexico City on Wednesday. During the ceremony, the Ambassador conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to President Sheinbaum. He also extended a cordial invitation for the Mexican President to visit Bangladesh. Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal reaffirmed his strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mexico during his tenure. He highlighted the significance of the upcoming 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025, emphasising that this milestone presents a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation in trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Anyone can criticise the interim govt now, and it's a success: Foreign Adviser The Ambassador also requested President Sheinbaum to accelerate the process of opening a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka, underscoring its importance in fostering closer diplomatic and economic ties. President Sheinbaum warmly welcomed the Ambassador and assured him of the Mexican government's support in carrying out his diplomatic duties. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the historic National Palace, the Presidential office and official residence of the President of Mexico.

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has said anybody can criticise the interim government without fear, and that is the success of this administration. "Could you criticise the government in power a year back or eight months back as you can do today? If nothing else, this government has at least achieved this one that anyone can freely criticise without fear. This is the essence of democracy," Hossain said while addressing an Iftar-dinner event marking the 27th anniversary of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at Gulshan Shooting Club Convention Hall on Wednesday evening. The Foreign adviser said often this government faces criticism about its performance. Former Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and acting envoys CDAs stationed in Dhaka, including Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, European Union (EU) Michael Miller, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis, Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari, German Ambassador Achim Troster, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Switzerland’s Ambassador Reto Renggli, senior journalists, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and DCAB Members were present.