United News of Bangladesh

The United Nations has said it will not send observers to Bangladesh unless mandated by the UN General Assembly or the Security Council. "No.  We do not… the UN itself doesn’t send observers unless there is a mandate from the General Assembly or the Security Council. So that’s no longer something that we do," said Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric at the regular media briefing at the UN Headquarters on January 5. He made the remarks when a journalist wanted to know whether the United Nations will send any observer to the election, scheduled to be held on February 12. "I can check for you whether the UN country office is offering any technical support, which is something that we often do in terms of the elections," said the UN Spokesman. As a journalist asked how the UN views BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return after 17 years in the context of Bangladesh’s democratic transition, the Spokesman said, “I’m not an assessor of news. Journalists assess news. So, we I mean, we will support in any way we can elections and the free expression by the Bangladeshi people of their political vision for their country.” Asked about former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the Spokesman said they will obviously send condolences to her family and to the people of Bangladesh on her passing. 

The government on Tuesday approved a proposal for procuring some 40,000 metric tons of bulk granular fertiliser from Saudi Arabia for the current fiscal year (FY26) to meet the growing demand. The approval came from this year’s 1st meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at the Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The fertiliser will be imported from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company, Saudi Arabia, under the 15th lot. Placed by the Ministry of Industries, the proposal involves a total cost of Tk 191.41 crore, with the price fixed at US$390 per ton.

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday signed the condolence book at the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad, mourning the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Acting High Commissioner Ishrat Jahan, Press Counsellor Md Tayyab Ali, and Counsellor (Consular) Sardar Md Nomanuzzaman received PM Shehbaz Sharif. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present. After signing the condolence book, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered a special prayer for Begum Khaleda Zia’s eternal peace and conveyed his deep condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh. He recalled Begum Zia’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan and mentioned his recent meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, sending him his sincere greetings. The Prime Minister also expressed optimism about further enhancing ties between the two countries in the future. Acting High Commissioner Ishrat Jahan thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh for visiting the High Commission and expressing condolences.

A new report has identified a stark disparity in climate vulnerability and financial capacity; and countries highly exposed to climate effects, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan are the least equipped to manage these risks. The report, ’Climate Finance Synthesis Report: Needs, Flow and Gaps in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Countries’, was launched at the ‘Enhancing Climate Actions in the Hindu Kush Himalaya’ conference held in Paro, Bhutan on Monday. Afghanistan and Bangladesh face significant challenges, with the lowest readiness scores (0.214 and 0.207) and higher vulnerability (0.586 and 0.554). India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan show moderate levels of readiness and vulnerability, reflecting a mix of capacities and risks across the region. This data underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance resilience in the most vulnerable countries, the report reads. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), a vital water source for billions in the region, faces a staggering climate financing shortfall, according to the new regional analysis. The report finds current financial commitments are insufficient to address the region’s adaptation and mitigation needs, projecting a required total of USD 12.05 trillion by 2050. “Mobilising the ambitious target of USD 12 trillion is like climbing the Everest of funding,” said Ghulam Ali, Innovative Investment Specialist and lead author of the report. “The strategy to mobilise these resources has to be creative, comprehensive, and collective to achieve such significant goals.” The analysis, conducted by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), concludes that the annual climate finance requirement for the eight HKH countries is approximately USD 768.68 billion. China and India account for 92.4% of the total projected need. “Evidence and analysis are an important part of advocating and influencing policy development for climate financing in the region,” said Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD. He said the grounded data this report offers enhances understanding of the actions required to address the financial needs of our region to build economic resilience. The HKH region faces an adaptation burden far exceeding global averages, forcing nations like Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan to spend significantly more than income-group averages on disasters and adaptation, trapping them in a cycle of repair with limited funds for other needs. The crisis is framed as an economic equality issue. The annual per capita climate finance needs ranges from as low as USD 24 in some countries to over USD 2,126 in others, representing 6% of GDP to a crippling 57%, respectively. This places immense pressure on policymakers who are facing trade-offs between development and survival for vulnerable populations. To bridge the funding gap, the report recommends a three-track approach: improve access to existing multilateral funds, pioneer innovative mechanisms like debt-for-climate swaps and increase public spending for mountains and environmentally sensitive areas.  The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region stretches 3,500km across Asia, spanning eight countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Total Climate Finance needed for Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region stands at $12 trillion with $768.68 billion/year including both adaptation (2020-2050) and mitigation (2020-2030). China and India dominate total needs ($8.46T and $2.69T, respectively). China and India, together constitute 92.41% of the total needs. The remaining HKH countries, excluding China and India, still require a total of 62.16 billion per year and 0.17 billion per day. Bangladesh and Pakistan require significant adaptation funding ($86B and $280B).  

Bangladesh on Monday joined the leaders around the world and ‘noted with concern’ the recent developments in Venezuela and reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. “Bangladesh notes with concern the recent developments in Venezuela,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release. Bangladesh said it believes that ‘diplomacy and dialogue’ should prevail to solve all disputes between countries. Bangladesh also reaffirmed steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law. The world leaders have responded with a mix of condemnation and support to the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. Following a large-scale strike on Venezuela on Saturday, Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces and removed from the country. The pair has been indicted on drug charges in New York.  

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh, calling it an irreparable loss to Bangladesh’s political life and to the wider South Asian region. In a statement on Sunday, he said Khaleda Zia was a towering political figure whose contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh were significant and enduring. Her leadership and lifelong dedication to public service have left a lasting imprint on Bangladesh's history and will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and  Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Both leaders conveyed their sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy on this great loss, praying to Almighty Allah to bestow His abundant mercy and forgiveness upon her, grant her a place in His eternal Paradise, and give patience and comfort to her family, relatives, and loved ones. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. In a separate condolence message addressed to the President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, the United Arab Emirates conveyed its deepest sympathies on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation on Sunday and discussed issues of mutual interest. They reviewed Bangladesh-Pakistan relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, officials said. They also exchanged views on recent developments in Asia and the Middle East and agreed to remain in close contact amid the evolving situation.  

Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Ark Galaxy Technology Co., Ltd. and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in vocational education, skills development, and human resource capacity building between Bangladesh and China. The MoU was signed on January 3 at the BCCCI Office and aims to establish a long-term and sustainable cooperative framework between affiliated vocational institutions of Bangladesh and leading vocational institutions of China. Under this strategic partnership, the parties will collaborate on technical training programs, institutional exchanges, technology sharing, and capacity development initiatives, thereby contributing to industrial growth and workforce modernization in both countries. Read more: Beijing seeks deeper cooperation with Dhaka to advance ‘Health Silk Road’ The signing ceremony was attended by Mohd. Khorshed Alam, President of BCCCI; Yue Xueshan, General Manager of Beijing Ark Galaxy Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lu Yong, Deputy General Manager of CCECC Bangladesh Ltd. (China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation). On behalf of BCCCI, the event was also attended by Secretary General Jamilur Rahman, Adviser to President Md. Faizul Alam, Vice President Khandaker Atiqur Rahman, Vice President Masud Ali Khan, Director Asif Haque Rupo, Executive Director Md. Abu Taher & Dr. Md. Sadi, Principal, Yidai Yilu Chinese Institute. This MoU, BCCCI on Sunday said, represents a significant milestone in strengthening institutional cooperation and fostering long-term partnerships aimed at supporting inclusive development and industrial competitiveness. Read more: 17 private banks sign MoU to support universal pension scheme

Despite occasional tensions, Bangladesh and India continue to value goodwill and good neighbourliness, recognising that cooperation, not confrontation, best serves the interests of the two close neighbours bound by shared history, borders and cultural ties. The recent visit by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Bangladesh signals a renewed emphasis on advancing this spirit of good neighbourliness and partnership based on mutual respect. “For any country in diplomacy, relations with neighbors get priority, especially for those who are not global powers - for example, Bangladesh. For them, relations with neighbors are very important,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, highlighting the importance of relations with big and small neighbors. The Adviser, who believes in the country’s permanent interest, said one of their key tasks is to maintain good relations with all small and big neighbors and try to get benefits out of that. Bangladesh is connected with India through trade, connectivity, water sharing, security and people-to-people exchanges. “When Bangladesh and India remain sensitive to each other’s concerns and avoid actions that undermine the other’s interests, it helps reduce misunderstandings and build confidence,” said a diplomat. Prepared to engage with any govt emerges through inclusive polls in Bangladesh: India Such an approach, the diplomat thinks, strengthens regional stability, supports economic growth, and enables both nations to address common challenges through dialogue. Adviser Hossain said foreign policy is, to a large extent, influenced by domestic policy. “You can’t forget it.” During an event at IIT Madras in Chennai, Jaishankar on Friday replied to a question on India’s neighborhood policy and Bangladesh issues, days after attending the funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Good Neighbours He highlighted the difference between “good neighbors” and “bad neighbors,” and said India supports and assists countries that maintain cooperative ties. He cited examples such as vaccine diplomacy, economic aid and crisis support. At the same time, he asserted India’s right to defend itself against neighbors that persist with terrorism, stressing that New Delhi’s approach is guided by common sense and national interest. “If you have a neighbor who is good to you, or at least who is not harmful to you, your natural instinct is to be kind and to help that neighbor. If the neighbor has a problem, you would like to contribute in some way. If nothing else, you will say hello, you will try to build friendships and bonding, and that is what we do as a country,” Jaishankar said. He said whenever there is a spirit of good neighborliness, India chooses to invest, help and share. “With good neighbors, India invests, helps and shares, whether it was vaccines during COVID, fuel and food support during the Ukraine conflict, or the $4 billion assistance to Sri Lanka during its financial crisis.” Wishing Bangladesh well for the upcoming national election, Jaishankar said the sense of neighborliness in the region will grow once things settle down. "Right now, they (Bangladesh) are heading for elections. We wish them well in that election. We hope that once things settle down, the sense of neighborliness in this region will grow," he said. Jaishankar wishes Bangladesh well for polls, hopes deepened neighbourly ties Highlighting the growth of India, Jaishankar said if India grows, all its neighbors will grow with them. "We will have many more opportunities. I think that in a sense is the message that I also took to Bangladesh," said Jaishankar who visited Bangladesh recently. Bad Neighbours Jaishankar also spoke about India’s “bad neighbours” and said if a country decides to “deliberately, persistently, unrepentantly continue with terrorism” India has the right to protect itself from such “neighbours”. “We will exercise that right. How we exercise that right is up to us. Nobody can tell us what we should do or not. We will do whatever we have to do to defend ourselves. It is a common sense proposition,” he said. South Asian nations’ gesture highlights Khaleda’s respect, stature: Foreign Adviser The Indian External Affairs Minister said if there is no good neighbourliness, “you do not get the benefits of that good neighbourliness. You cannot say, "Please share water with me, but I will continue terrorism with you.” Economic Interests Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has recently said Bangladesh manages its ties with India by keeping economic interests distinct from political rhetoric, with trade-related decisions driven by competitiveness and national interest rather than diplomacy. “Our trade policy is not driven by political considerations. If importing rice from India is cheaper than sourcing it from Vietnam or elsewhere, then it makes economic sense to buy from India,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase. Salehuddin said Bangladesh would import essentials such as rice from India if prices remain competitive, regardless of the prevailing political discourse between the two neighbours, mentioning that imports from alternative markets could cost Tk 10 more per kilogram. Khaleda's passing leaves irreplaceable void, but her vision, legacy will endure: Modi Salehuddin stressed that Bangladesh has never pursued punitive trade measures against India for political reasons. “We do not believe in using trade as a tool for political retaliation. Our priority is to ensure supplies at the best possible price for our people,” he added. Deep Relations “Relations between Bangladesh and India are so deep ... .it will remain good in the future. There is no alternative to maintaining good relations between the two countries,” said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently. Referring to huge "interdependencies" on each other, he said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is historically, politically and economically very close and they cannot deviate from this. Bangladesh will hold a high-stakes national election on February 12 the first polls since mass uprising last year, excluding the Bangladesh Awami League, activities of which remain suspended. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold 'free, fair, and peaceful' elections on February 12 next year. Jaishankar hands over PM Modi’s personal letter to Tarique Rahman Highlighting the importance of stability and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, India said it wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, which is rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives. “We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).