United News of Bangladesh

The first batch of Bangladeshi patients is set to leave Dhaka for China on March 10 as the two sides are working to improve medical service mechanisms. The first-batch is likely to be consisting of eleven 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 agency 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. Japan, Unicef sign $ 3.3mn deal to strengthen assistance for Rohingya children “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.

The government of Japan has allocated approximately $ 3.3 million (JPY 500 million) to support Unicef’s response to the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees. Through this grant, 65,000 Rohingya refugees, 41,000 of them children, will reach Bangladesh, providing them access to education, WASH, health and nutrition support in Cox’s Bazar District and Bhasan Char, said the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka on Tuesday. An exchange of notes was signed by Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and Unicef Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers. During the signing ceremony at the Unicef office in Dhaka, Ambassador Saida commended the effort by Unicef who has been at the forefront in the Rohingya camps to meet the needs for every child in such key sectors as health, education, nutrition, protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). “This contribution from Japan to Unicef comes at a critical time, when fundraising for the Rohingya humanitarian response is essential. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions for this humanitarian crisis and will keep cooperating with international organisations, including Unicef,” he said. Japan expresses support to Dr Yunus to establish a new govt Rana Flowers said every day Rohingya children struggle against overwhelming odds and they have limited access to education, face cultural barriers and are in constant threat of waterborne diseases, malnutrition and inadequate healthcare at overcrowded facilities. “Like any other children, they deserve an opportunity to learn, be healthy, feel safe and thrive, now more than ever. We are thankful for the unwavering support from the Government of Japan in expanding critical services for these vulnerable children. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every child, no matter where they are.” Over seven years ago, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled attacks and violence in Myanmar, joining refugees already in Bangladesh from previous waves of displacement. Currently, about half a million Rohingya refugee children are growing up in the world’s largest refugee camp. Many of them have been born there as refugees. The Rohingya rely entirely on humanitarian assistance for protection, food, water, shelter and health. Since the onset of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a significant supporter of the response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, contributing approximately USD 240 million to UN agencies and NGOs in the country, said the Embassy. Unicef, working with the government of Bangladesh and partners, has been on the ground in the refugee camps in Bangladesh from day one, and is still there for every Rohingya refugee child who needs clean water, health care, protection, nutritious food and education.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will present the United Nations human rights fact-finding report on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh on March 5. The event will be broadcast live from Geneva on YouTube https://youtube.com/live/szaCueW3WLs at 6pm Dhaka time, said an official at the UN on Tuesday. The team will discuss with member states and civil society on the findings and recommendations to promote accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. Volker Turk expresses his gratitude to DU VC The interim government of Bangladesh and civil society representatives from Bangladesh will participate in the event. On Monday, Volker Türk hoped that their recent independent fact-finding report will support truth-telling, accountability, reparations, healing and reform in Bangladesh. “It will be crucial to ensure due process in criminal cases and investigate revenge violence, including against minorities,” he said, while sharing a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Volker Türk @DU: 'No repetition, no going back. You must draw a clear line in the sand' Turk said Bangladesh last year experienced a paroxysm of violence as the government of the time “brutally suppressed” a student movement that carried human rights as its torch. “The country is now charting a new future,” he said, adding that their recent independent fact-finding report on the grave human rights violations that took place is an “important contribution” to this journey. UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis on Sunday informed Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus that Türk will brief the member states about its findings on March 5 during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. Dr Yunus stressed documenting all "atrocities" committed during the regime of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  

The European Union (EU) will provide 68 million Euros this year for the Rohingyas and the host community in Cox’s Bazar. European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib met with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and declared this with further assurance of imposing political and economic pressure on Myanmar. She appreciated the Bangladesh initiative in organizing the high-level conference on Rohingyas, to be held in New York in October 2025.    The Commissioner expressed strong support of the EU to the interim government of Bangladesh and its reform initiatives, saying that it is a pivotal moment in the history of Bangladesh that needs new partnership, new cooperation. She shared her first-hand experience of visiting Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar and lauded the generosity of Bangladesh in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. The Foreign Adviser said that the relation of Bangladesh with the EU is intense. He thanked the Commissioner for her visit to Bangladesh and expressed deep concern over the current political landscape in Myanmar and its subsequent implications on the Rohingya crisis and regional security. While emphasizing that the ultimate solution lies in the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, the Adviser called for actions by the international community in realizing so.    EU supports interim govt’s reform ambition: Hadja Lahbib Sharing experiences of unusual natural catastrophes both in Europe and Bangladesh, both sides acknowledged the need for intensifying collaboration in disaster management and preparedness in a sustainable manner through sharing expertise and information. Appreciating the EU support and highlighting Bangladesh’s expertise in disaster management, the Foreign Adviser requested continued technical and financial assistance from the EU for further improvement. Talking reporters at the MoFA, the European Commissioner said the EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladesh's reform efforts as part of the "peaceful and inclusive" transition. “I would like to start with one very clear message --Bangladesh can count on the European Union (EU). We are a reliable partner. The EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladesh reform efforts as part of the peaceful and inclusive transition underpinned by good governance, democratic values, and respect for human rights,” she said. Highlighting the importance of enhanced engagements, Lahbib said the EU is willing to reinforce the partnership and good cooperation in trade, development, disaster preparedness, and other areas of mutual interests. Earlier, Commissioner Lahbib called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visited the Rohingya Camps in Cox’s Bazar. She left Dhaka on Monday night.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday hoped that their recent independent fact-finding report will support truth-telling, accountability, reparations, healing and reform in Bangladesh. “It will be crucial to ensure due process in criminal cases and investigate revenge violence, including against minorities,” he said, while sharing a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Turk said Bangladesh last year experienced a paroxysm of violence as the government of the time “brutally suppressed” a student movement that carried human rights as its torch. “The country is now charting a new future,” he said, adding that their recent independent fact-finding report on the grave human rights violations that took place is an “important contribution” to this journey. UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis on Sunday informed Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will brief the member states about its findings on March 5 during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. Dr Yunus stressed documenting all "atrocities" committed during the regime of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. UN Human Rights Office to launch OHCHR fact-finding report on July movement The atrocities, including the crackdown on protesters at Shapla Chattar, police brutalities against protesters after the verdict against Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, and extrajudicial killings over the years. “There is a need for proper documentation of all atrocities committed against the people of this country. Unless this documentation is done, it is difficult to know the truth and ensure justice,” said the Chief Adviser. He made the comment when UNRC Lewis and Senior Human Rights Adviser at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Bangladesh Huma Khan, called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. Meanwhile in Myanmar, 2024 was the deadliest year for civilians since the military coup four years ago, said the UN rights chief in Geneva on Monday. Turk said the military ramped up brutal attacks on civilians as their grip on power eroded, with retaliatory airstrikes and artillery shelling of villages and urban areas, arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, and the forcible conscription of thousands of young people. Human rights organisations often overlook workers' rights: Farida Akhter “I urge the international community to decisively cut the supply of arms and finance that enable the military’s vicious repression,” said the UN human rights chief.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has expressed his commitment to supporting the establishment of a new government by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and the interim government. He also expressed his commitment to advancing the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan in a wide range of fields under the “Strategic Partnership”, working closely together with all. The Ambassador made the remarks during the National Day reception celebrating the 65th birthday of the Emperor of Japan at the Ambassador's official residence recently. Commerce, Textiles and Jute Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin joined the reception as the chief guest. EU supports interim govt’s reform ambition: Hadja Lahbib The reception was attended by guests from various walks of life, ranging from the Bangladeshi government and the diplomatic corps to local business people and cultural figures. At the reception, Japanese companies and organisations based in Bangladesh set up booths to introduce their activities. Japanese scallops were also cooked and served in front of the attendees. Ambassador Saida also presented a mascot of ‘Myakumyaku’, the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s official character, to Bashir Uddin. A dedicated booth was set up to promote the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has said a dignified, voluntary, safe and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to the Rohingya crisis. Efforts to achieve this goal by helping create conditions for return to the areas of origin of the refugees, and the peaceful coexistence of communities living there, must be stepped up and supported, he said during his recent visit to Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has been an extraordinary host since the onset of the crisis, with local communities having shared the few resources they had with refugees,” said Grandi. He underscored UNHCR’s unwavering commitment to supporting over 1 million Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh as he completed a four-day visit to the country on Sunday. In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, Grandi commended the people of Bangladesh for their generosity in hosting the refugees for nearly eight years. Visiting the Kutupalong refugee camps near Cox’s Bazar, Grandi urged the international community to provide sustained financial support for the refugees, who live in highly challenging circumstances – vulnerable to natural disasters and almost entirely reliant on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. “With the passing of time and in the absence of a solution for Rohingya refugees for now, mobilizing resources remains both challenging and a priority,” Grandi said, urging partners not to forget Rohingya refugees. “If international support decreases dramatically – which may happen – the huge work done by the Bangladesh government, aid agencies and refugees themselves will be seriously impacted, putting thousands at risk of hunger, disease and insecurity.” Bangladesh seeks Philippines' support for Asean partnership, Rohingya crisis solution In Cox’s Bazar, the High Commissioner spoke to refugees who had recently arrived in the camps after fleeing the ongoing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Intense conflict there in recent times has worsened the plight of the Rohingya, leaving many with no choice but to risk the journey to safety in Bangladesh. Grandi also sat down with community-based groups like imams, female religious teachers, and a group of mothers concerned about the violence in the camps. With few prospects for meaningful self-development and self-reliance, violence, crime, and other security issues have risen in the community. “All shared with me their longing to return to their homes, when the conditions for return are safe and allow for voluntary sustainable repatriation,” he said. “It is very important to support Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain security in the camps. We must also continue programmes for the most vulnerable, particularly women who have survived violence, and help young people to gain skills and resilience.” Speaking to young refugees at a skills training centre, the High Commissioner remarked on the need to strengthen livelihood and development opportunities inside the camps, where 52 per cent of the population are under 18. “They are trying to acquire skills, to get an education,” Grandi said. “They are trying to utilize the talents that they have to serve their community. If international assistance dwindles, their horizon becomes further limited. We must do our best to keep their hopes alive.” The camps in Cox’s Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char are, like the communities that host them, highly susceptible to cyclones, flooding, landslides and other weather shocks, including the risk of fire. Having witnessed the devastating consequences of a major landslide on the refugees, Grandi highlighted the need for core support for disaster risk reduction during meetings with Government partners. This is the High Commissioner’s sixth visit to the country. It comes as UNHCR, together with the Government of Bangladesh and other humanitarian partners, prepares to launch the 2025 Joint Response Plan detailing the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities. Dr Yunus calls for making int'l conference on Rohingya crisis a big success In recent years, funding has remained a critical challenge, with previous response plans being insufficiently funded. “Nowhere more than in the Cox’s Bazar camps is the life-saving role of humanitarian aid clear,” Grandi said in a post on X reflecting on his visit.

EU commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management Hadja Lahbib on Monday said the European Union is with the people of Bangladesh in supporting the reform ambitions of the interim government. “I am with you and the European Union is with you in supporting the reform ambitions of the interim government. Human rights and democratic values are the cornerstone of the EU-Bangladesh relations,” she said.  The visiting EU commissioner made the remark at the launching event of a book “Bangladesh 36 July 2024” at Bookworm of Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in the city’s Gulshan area.  The EU Mission in Dhaka launched the book with reproduction of street paintings and graffiti that captured the horrors of repression during the July-August demonstration and the public aspirations for a new Bangladesh.  Hadja Lahbib said Bangladesh can count on EU support. “We are strong and reliable humanitarian development and trading partners. Bangladesh-EU partnership is a strategic choice and cause in our shared values.  You can count on my support and you can count on the support of the European Union.”          About the publication, she said their paintings are the world shows that they refused to be silent. “Every painting is a voice speaking out for freedom and against injustice,” she said.  “Last year we all witnessed the violence against peaceful demonstrations during the July-August uprising,” said the EU Commissioner, adding that she discovered that July didn’t end on the 31st but on the 36th day.

Visiting European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib on Monday stressed more cooperation in preparedness, disaster management and climate change, including flood control, saying that the European Union (EU) is keen to exchange “good practices" and preparedness strategies with Bangladesh. "You did an extraordinary job at an extraordinary time. My main message is that we are ready to reinforce our cooperation,” the European Commissioner told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus lauding his leadership at the critical juncture of the country. The Chief Adviser said the interim government is committed to holding a "free and fair" election and the vote would likely be held by December this year, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. She said the European Union is providing 68 million euros this year for the Rohingya response, including host communities in Bangladesh and for the Myanmar conflict, notably for the people caught in violence in Myanmar's Western Rakhine state. The EU commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management made the announcement when she called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. But despite the fact that the amount is more than the initial EU contribution last year, it is still not enough to avoid the risk of a significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the camps, the Commissioner said, due to the growing funding gap. Prof Yunus reiterated his government's support for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, saying it is a "big issue" for Bangladesh. “It has been going on for several years without any solution. There’s no expiry date. “We are very happy to see you visit Bangladesh. The UN secretary-general is coming. We are trying to draw international attention to the Rohingya crisis,” said Prof Yunus. The EU Commissioner said the only answer to the crisis is peace. “We need to remain prepared for all kinds of disasters, including man-made disasters. Such disasters also include disinformation,” she said. A fugitive party trying to destablise Bangladesh: Dr Yunus tells BBC Bangla

Highlighting historical close ties, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said there is no alternative to maintaining a good relationship between Bangladesh and India, as there had been some clouds in the relations that mainly came through propaganda. "Some conflicts had been seen in the midway. I would say some clouds were seen. These clouds mostly came through propaganda. Others will judge the sources of those as propaganda," he told BBC Bangla in an interview published on Monday. A fugitive party trying to destablise Bangladesh: Dr Yunus tells BBC Bangla The interim government is set to complete its seven months tenure and diplomatic sources suggest a possible first ever in-person meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Bimstec Summit to be held in Bangkok on April 4, 2025. Responding to a specific question, Dr Yunus said the relations between the two neighbours are in very good shape and there has been "no deterioration". Following that, Dr Yunus said, there had been some misunderstandings. "We are trying to overcome those misunderstandings. There is no problem in our basic relationship," Dr Yunus said. The Chief Adviser said he had always explained that the relations between Bangladesh and India are so deep, still the relationship is in good shape and it will remain good in the future.  "There is no alternative to maintain good relations between the two countries," said Dr Yunus. He said that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is "historically, politically and economically" are very close and they "cannot deviate" from this. Dr Yunus also referred to huge "interdependencies" on each other. He said there is continuous communication between the two countries. Dr Yunus calls for documentation of "atrocities" committed by past regime The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, later they had a telephone conversation, and Modi invited Prof Yunus to join the third Voice of Global South Summit hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17 last year. On January 1 this year, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue.   Adviser Hossain recently had a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman and invited him to visit Bangladesh as part of Foreign Minister-level mechanism that the two countries have. Hossain said both Dhaka and New Delhi agreed to have "good working relations" by removing the remaining problems. "We - both sides - agreed that we need to reach a good working relationship," Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referring to his recent meeting with Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman. He said businesses have already picked up and apparently reached their previous level but there are still some issues like visa related problems. Meanwhile, Jaishankar in a separate program in New Delhi said Bangladesh needs to make up its mind what kind of relationship it wants with New Delhi, stressing that the two neighbours share a very special history that goes back to 1971. “If every day someone in the interim government stands up and blames India for everything, some of those things if you look at the reports are absolutely ridiculous. You cannot, on one hand, say I would now like to have good relations with you, but I get up every morning and blame you for everything that goes wrong. It is also a decision that they have to make," Jaishankar said while speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival. He said India has sent a very clear signal to Dhaka that it would like to see things “calm down” and the resumption of normal bilateral ties, but it is unhappy with the constantly hostile messaging emanating from across the border. Jaishankar shared two aspects of what is "very troubling" for them. The spate of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, obviously it is something which impacts our thinking and it is something we have to speak up about, which we have done," he said, sharing the first aspect of the situation. The second aspect is they (Bangladesh) have their politics, but at the end of the day, the two countries are neighbours, Jaishankar said, adding that "they have to make up their minds on what kind of relationship they want to have with us.” "We have a long history with Bangladesh. We have a very special history with Bangladesh. It goes back to 1971," Jaishankar said. A fugitive group (Bangladesh Awami League) has left the country or their leadership has left, the Chief Adviser told BBC Bangla, adding that they are trying their best to unsettle it (the country). Dr Yunus calls for making int'l conference on Rohingya crisis a big success Dr Yunus spoke to BBC Bangla about the law and order situation, reforms and elections, the formation of a new student leadership party, and political developments during the nearly seven months of the interim government under his leadership.