United News of Bangladesh

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Monday said the United Kingdom (UK) UK is supportive of the consensus building and reform process to help create a condition for "free, fair and inclusive" elections in Bangladesh. She made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Election Commission in the capital. Sarah Cooke said she had a very productive first meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and his team. France highlights importance of life free from discrimination, violence The CEC said the UK envoy and her team had been to the EC to have an idea about its preparations regarding the next general election and the foreign observer issue. “They (UK) want to provide assistance in the democratic transition of Bangladesh,” he said. Nasir Uddin said they informed the UK diplomat that the voter registration programme now continues and public notification has been issued seeking applications from the political parties that desire to be registered. “Now we will go for procurement soon (targeting the next election). The procurement is a time-consuming matter,” he said. About the election observers, the CEC said the domestic observer policy needs to be revised unlike the foreign observer policy. The EC will initiate the process of seeking applications from the foreign observers timely ahead of the next national election. EC Gearing Up for Polls Nasir Uddin informed Sarah Cooke that since there is a timeline (for election) – the earliest is in December -- the EC is preparing with that in mind. “If the elections are held in December, we will have to announce the election schedule in October. We are preparing in such a way so that we do not miss the timeline,” he said. Bangladesh, Kuwait pledge stronger ties in trade, energy and investment The CEC said the envoy wanted to know what kind of assistance the EC seeks from the UK in the next election. In response, the EC said it is thinking of giving training to election agents and election observers about electoral conduct rules and laws. “We told them if they can help us, they are welcome,” he said.     

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has hosted a special reception at her residence in honour of the International Women's Day. The event, held on Sunday, was a powerful reminder that women's rights are universal and transcend all barriers - ethnicity, social origin, religion, political beliefs, and philosophical opinions, said the Embassy on Monday. “We believe in the importance of creating an environment where women can fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms and live a life free from discrimination and violence,” said the Embassy in a message through its verified Facebook page. Bangladesh’s medical group to China to boost broader collaboration: Ambassador Yao Together, the Embassy said, they stand in solidarity for gender equality, recognising the strength, resilience and invaluable contributions of women everywhere. Marking the International Women’s Day on March 8, UN Secretary General António Guterres said, “When the doors of equal opportunity are open for women and girls, everyone wins.” He said equal societies are more prosperous and peaceful – and the foundation of sustainable development.

The government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an agreement on Monday to launch the ‘Sustainable Solid Waste Management’ project in Cox’s Bazar. This initiative aims to enhance waste management systems, improve health and hygiene, and create economic opportunities for both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Under this agreement, Japan will provide USD 1.5 million to support the urgent solid waste management (SWM) needs in Cox’s Bazar, benefiting approximately 160,000 Rohingya refugees and 60,000 members of the host communities. The signing ceremony took place at the UNDP office in Dhaka, with Takahashi Naoki, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of Japan to Bangladesh, and Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, signing the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Takahashi expressed the hope that this support from the government of Japan would improve the living conditions of both Rohingya refugees and host communities. “I’m hopeful that this comprehensive solid waste management plan will help improve the lives of both Rohingya refugees and host communities,” he said, adding that this project will enhance community awareness, build knowledge and skills and create income generating opportunities, leading to a healthier, more profitable, gender-responsive, climate-resilient and environmentally friendly communities. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions and will cooperate with international organisations such as UNDP, said Takahashi. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the impact of the partnership, saying sustainable waste management is crucial for both human well-being and environmental protection. “This partnership between UNDP and Japan will not only address immediate waste management challenges but also promote long-term, climate-resilient solutions that benefit both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Through innovative interventions and community-driven approaches, we aim to create cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable living conditions in Cox’s Bazar district." Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, UNDP said, Japan has been a steady supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over USD $240 million to UNDP and other UN agencies as well as NGOs in Bangladesh, including through this new funding.  

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Monday said the successful launch of a medical group from Bangladesh to China is an opportunity to expand collaboration across a broader spectrum. "We will further expand our cooperation, adding more Chinese cities and high-level hospitals to provide Bangladeshi patients with greater medical choices," he said while seeing off the first group of Bangladeshi patients, doctors and travel agencies to Kunming, Yunnan Province of China, for medical check-ups, treatment and hospital visits. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin was also present at the ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest as the foreign ministers of the two South Asian countries met on the sidelines of the OIC meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Both the dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the "upward trajectory" of bilateral relations. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar held the meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Oragnization of Islamic Cooperation. Pakistan eager to hold foreign secretary level talks with Bangladesh to boost ties The meeting took place in a cordial environment, reflecting the fraternal sentiments from both sides, said the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka did not issue any media release after the meeting. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries and further agreed to enhance cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people to people contacts and cultural exchanges. The extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened on the evening of Friday (March 7) in Jeddah and discussed the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and the plans for annexation and forced displacement from their land. Pakistani Deputy PM's visit expected, but not before April: Foreign Affairs Adviser In a press release issued by the OIC, the meeting started with a speech by Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon Lejeune Mbella Mbella, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of Foreign Ministers. Mbella stated that the meeting is being held amid new developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including calls for the displacement of Palestinians. He emphasised that this situation requires a moment of assessment and forward-looking vision, while maintaining the unified stance of our organisation on this critical issue, in accordance with its charter and relevant United Nations resolutions. Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan called on the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Md Jashim Uddin recently at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. Bangladesh,Pakistani traders seek removal of customs ,non-customs barriers Siddiqui carried a letter from the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan addressed to Adviser Hossain and handed it over to the Foreign Secretary.

The first batch of Bangladeshi patients is set to leave Dhaka for China on Monday as the two sides are working to improve medical service mechanisms. The first batch is likely to consist of 11 patients, an official told UNB, adding that they will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on March 10. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen will brief the media at 12pm at the CIP outdoor pathway at the airport before departure. Senior government officials, representatives of patients, doctors and travel agencies will attend. On February 18, Ambassador Yao said three top-tier hospitals in China’s Yunnan Province have been designated to specifically receive Bangladeshi patients. First eleven medical tourists to China to leave March 10 “If all the efforts continue smoothly, the first group of Bangladeshi patients could receive treatment in China as early as in March this year,” he said during a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in the capital. He said relevant departments from both countries are working to improve medical service mechanisms, including streamlining visa procedures, clarifying treatment processes and establishing translation teams. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, during his recent visit to China, proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in public health, kindly requesting China to facilitate medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients in China and render due consideration to the aided hospital projects. “China attaches vital importance to these proposals,” said Ambassador Yao assuring of providing top quality services.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is likely to visit China, Thailand and Japan – respectively in March, April and May as part of his global outreach and strengthening ties and building stronger relationships across countries through cooperation and partnerships, officials said. Dr Yunus is likely to leave Dhaka on March 26 for China after attending the Independence Day programme as both the countries are looking forward to a bilateral meeting on March 28 in Beijing between the two leaders – Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping. On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience. Bangladesh, Kuwait pledge stronger ties in trade, energy and investment “The visit is taking place, as of now. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus is likely to leave Dhaka on March 26,” a senior official told UNB, noting that preparations are underway. Dr Yunus is likely to travel to Beijing from China's Hainan Province for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 28, officials working on the visit said, adding that things are yet to be finalised. As per the plans, the Chief Adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 which will be held from March 25 to 28 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said with the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting international development and cooperation. He said the theme is intended to reinvigorate multilateralism, promote openness and development, jointly respond to global challenges, and carry out the commitments of the UN Summit of the Future while focusing on the development of Asia. Many heads of international and regional organizations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. He said the event will focus on four subject areas: building trust and promoting cooperation in a fast-changing world; re-balancing globalization for inclusive development; accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals for more effective responses to global challenges; and strengthening AI application and governance for innovation-driven development. Possible Yunus-Modi Meet in Bangkok Thailand will host the 6th Summit of Bimstec in Bangkok and Bangladesh will take responsibility as its next chair on April 4. Before the Summit, there will be a ministerial meeting on April 3. The Chief Adviser is likely to attend the Summit and there is a possibility to see a first-ever in-person meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Summit, a diplomatic source told UNB. India seeks friendly ties with Bangladesh: Rajnath Singh Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Indra Mani Pandey has said Bangladesh, as the next chair of the regional organisation, will have an opportunity to “re-demonstrate to the world” its commitment to regional cooperation by leading the organisation with broader initiatives in diverse areas. How Dhaka Eyes its Relations with Delhi Now Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explains, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh. Talks with Japan In February this year, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Ikuina Akiko invited Chief Adviser Prof Yunus to visit Japan for the Nikkei 30th Future of Asia event to be held on May 29-30 in Tokyo. She also invited Dr Yunus, a recipient of the Nikkei Asia Prize in 2004, for Osaka Expo 2025, a separate event, to be held in May. Bangladeshi firms join hands with US telecom giant Starlink Officials said the Chief Adviser will attend the Nikkei 30th Future of Asia event and both sides are working to arrange a bilateral meeting between Dr Yunus and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Bangladesh and Kuwait on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic, trade and economic ties, with a focus on investment, energy, food security and migrant welfare. Newly appointed Ambassador of Kuwait to Bangladesh Ali Tunyan Abdul Wahab Hamadah met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed ways to strengthen the ties. Welcoming the Ambassador, the Chief Adviser reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Bangladesh and Kuwait and encouraged greater collaboration in key sectors. “Kuwait and Bangladesh are long-standing friends. There are many investment opportunities here, and halal food can be a great sector to explore. The global market for halal food is huge. I encourage you to include young people in this initiative,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit in Dhaka on 7-9 April. “Bring investors from Kuwait during the summit. It will be a big opportunity for both countries,” he said. India seeks friendly ties with Bangladesh: Rajnath Singh Ambassador Hamadah conveyed full support for Bangladesh’s Interim Government on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the people of Kuwait. "We are looking forward to working together," he said. Both sides discussed expanding crude oil imports from Kuwait to support Bangladesh’s growing energy demands. The Chief Adviser invited Kuwait to invest in a joint venture crude oil refinery in Bangladesh and urged the oil-rich Gulf nation to explore cooperation in renewable energy projects. The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of ensuring better working conditions for Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait, particularly female workers. He also acknowledged the strong defence collaboration between the two countries and praised the professionalism of Bangladeshi military personnel serving in Kuwait. They also reaffirmed their dedication to deepening economic and diplomatic ties.  “Our partnership is built on mutual respect and cooperation. We are committed to expanding collaboration in trade, energy, and beyond,” the Chief Adviser said.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India seeks to uphold amicable relations with Bangladesh, just as it does with all its neighbouring countries. “India always wants to maintain good relations with its neighbours, and Bangladesh is no exception. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say that we can change friends, but not our neighbours. So, we would like to maintain good relations with Bangladesh,” Rajnath in an exclusive interview with IANS on Saturday. At a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said they support a “stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive” Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. He expressed concerns over "deteriorating law and order situation" in Bangladesh which has been further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes. India for resolving all issues in Bangladesh through democratic means Officials of Bangladesh and India held the 86th meeting of the Joint River Commission in Kolkata where they discussed the pros and cons of renewing the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty which comes up for renewal next year. Spokesperson Jaiswal said the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to the Ganga Water Treaty, measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest. On alleged violence against minorities, including Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said they expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence to justice without making such distinctions. Foreign Adviser hopes for quick resolution of visa issues with India

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the digitization of daily operations and citizen services of four key ministries and organizations on a priority basis. These include the Ministry of Land, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). On Saturday, the Chief Adviser provided the necessary instructions regarding this matter to his Special Assistant, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb. The information was disclosed in a post on the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page on Saturday night. According to the post, measures will be taken to automate internal processes within these ministries, ensure 100% electronic file usage, implement full enterprise resource planning (ERP), and introduce a digital signature system. Bangladeshi firms join hands with US telecom giant Starlink The Chief Adviser emphasized the importance of ensuring data interoperability among ministries to simplify service delivery. He also instructed initiatives to be taken for secure API-based data exchange, replacing manual form-filling procedures. Regarding this initiative, Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb stated that various ministries in Bangladesh have developed their own digital systems, creating isolated data silos. In this situation, ensuring interoperability among these systems has become an urgent governmental responsibility. Following the Chief Adviser’s directive, efforts will be made to implement a pilot program for key ministries within the next three months at any cost, he added.