United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has welcomed China’s interest in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sectors, noting that investors from the world’s second-largest economy could help transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub producing goods for export to developed nations including China. “We can go full speed in these areas,” Prof Yunus said during a meeting with Vice-President of the Export-Import Bank of China Yang Dongning on Thursday, identifying pharmaceuticals and healthcare as additional sectors with strong potential for Chinese investment. He said China, the world’s largest producer of solar energy, could play a significant role in supporting Bangladesh’s transition to green energy through investments in solar panels and rooftop solar systems. The Chief Adviser also encouraged China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, highlighting the potential utilization of country’s large pool of young workers, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday. He suggested that closed state-run jute mills could be repurposed for new joint ventures. “This is a very important dimension. We welcome this. We want to translate these into actions,” Prof Yunus said, referring to Chinese interest in jute-based manufacturing. Vice-President of the Export-Import Bank of China Yang Dongning said Chinese investors are eager to invest in Bangladesh’s green technology, jute, textiles and pharmaceuticals as part of efforts to support the manufacturing transformation envisioned by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, The visiting Exim Bank vice-president met with the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday. She was accompanied by Dr Ma Jun, President of the state-run Institute of Finance and Sustainability. Yang Dongning said that while China has long invested heavily in Bangladesh’s large infrastructure projects, its investors are now increasingly focused on key manufacturing sectors.

The United Nations has expressed profound gratitude to Bangladesh as its peacekeepers continue to serve with unwavering dedication across seven missions worldwide. Bangladesh is the third-largest contributor of UN peacekeepers, with more than 5,600 military and police personnel currently deployed in some of the world’s most fragile regions. Leaving their families behind, these brave men and women work to protect vulnerable communities, support humanitarian operations, and help build conditions for lasting peace. The UN has acknowledged the commitment, professionalism, and sacrifices of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, offering heartfelt thanks for their service. Bangladesh first joined UN peacekeeping operations in 1988 by sending 15 military observers to the UN Iraq-Iran Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG). Since then, its role has expanded significantly. Today, Bangladeshi peacekeepers are serving in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, South Sudan, and Western Sahara. A total of 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, a sacrifice the United Nations continues to honor with deep respect.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Shinichi Saida on Thursday reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding support for democratic governance in Bangladesh. “This election is a significant step in shaping a new chapter for Bangladesh. Japan stands firmly beside Bangladesh in its democratic progress," he said at a function. Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) received a set of essential electoral materials for use on election day, supported by the Government of Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh. The handover took place at BEC under the UN’s BALLOT project, implemented in collaboration with UNESCO and UN Women, and supported by development partners committed to strengthening transparent and inclusive electoral processes. Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin highlighted the collective responsibility ahead, noting, "What matters most is still ahead of us; the delivery of a transparent, neutral, credible, and fully participatory election. As we take the next steps, we will require continued support to build our capacity, and we are grateful to Japan, UNDP, and our partners for standing firmly with us in this national responsibility.” UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller underscored the significance of the partnership in advancing electoral readiness. "Today marks another important milestone in Bangladesh’s election preparations. With Japan’s support, we have already helped register nearly eight million voters, and this new handover reinforces the commitment to ensure one person, one vote. The Election Commission has shown remarkable dedication, and we are proud to stand with them as Bangladesh enters a crucial phase of its electoral journey.” The event was attended by Susan Vize, Head of Office, UNESCO; Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative in Bangladesh; Andres Castillo, Chief Technical  Adviser, UNDP, Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Election Commission Secretariat; and officials from BEC, UNDP, and partner agencies. Japan offers solidarity in coping with earthquakes The BALLOT project supports the Election Commission in strengthening voter registration, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting transparent electoral processes. The newly delivered materials will support smooth and credible polling operations nationwide. UNDP and its partners reiterated their commitment to assisting Bangladesh in ensuring that the upcoming national election upholds the highest standards of integrity, participation, and public trust.  

Country Manager of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh and Bhutan Sudhir Muralidharan on Thursday said digital violence is not a standalone issue - it is a development, governance, and human rights challenge. Stressing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders at a roundtable, he said today’s dialogue underscored the need for collective, coordinated action that centers the safety and dignity of women and girls. UNOPS Bangladesh, in collaboration with Aspire to Innovate (a2i), the ICT Division, the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), and the High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in Bangladesh, convened the high-level roundtable titled “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” The event brought together government officials, diplomats, legal experts, mental health professionals, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and media to address the growing threat of digital violence in Bangladesh. The event centered on the urgent rise of online gender-based violence, ranging from cyberstalking and harassment to deepfake exploitation and image-based abuse and emphasized the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action to build a safer digital environment for women and girls. The session, hosted at the ICT Division in Agargaon, was moderated by Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, Executive Director, Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU). Opening the event, Project Director (Joint Secretary), a2i Md. Abdur Rofiq highlighted the accelerating risks alongside Bangladesh’s rapid digital transformation. “Digital spaces are essential for opportunity and participation, but they must not become spaces of fear. Protecting women and girls online is fundamental to ensuring an equitable digital future.” Delivering the keynote speech, Barrister Tasnuva Shelley, Deputy Attorney General & Advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, examined the gaps in legal and institutional frameworks. “Technology is evolving faster than our laws. Survivors need faster remedies, stronger safeguards, and systems that can respond meaningfully to new forms of digital abuse.” High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to advancing digital rights:  “We stand with Bangladesh in recognizing digital safety as a regional priority. Empowering women and girls online is central to ensuring their full participation in society.” Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division, further emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening digital governance:  “Bangladesh’s digital transformation must be anchored in safety. The ICT Division is working to reinforce reporting systems, enhance cyber investigation capacities, and promote responsible digital citizenship.” The dialogue ended with a collective call to action to strengthen policy frameworks, introduce user-friendly reporting tools, enhance digital literacy, and improve cross-agency collaboration to prevent and respond to digital violence.

France has awarded Brigadier General Muhammad Azharul Islam of the Bangladesh Army the National Defence Medal, a French military decoration, for his outstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet pinned the badge on him at a ceremony at his residence in Dhaka on Tuesday. This is the first time a member of the Bangladesh Armed Forces has received this French military award. He received the Gold Grade, which is the highest level of this award. “France is particularly honored to bestow this distinction upon you. It is a testament to our recognition of your commitment in UN missions and your exemplary professionalism,” the Ambassador said.  “Awarding a national medal to a foreign personality is a meaningful gesture that clearly shows the strong and close bond between this person and our country.” After receiving the medal, Brigadier General Azharul Islam said, “This award carries deep meaning for me, for the armed forces, and for my country.” The National Defence Medal was created in 1982 to reward active or reserve service members who have distinguished themselves by the quality of their service and their support to France, especially the French Armed Forces. Brigadier General Azharul Islam joined the Bangladesh Military Academy in 1995 and has taken part in several peacekeeping missions—Sudan in 2005, Ivory Coast in 2010, Somalia in 2015, and Mali in 2022. During his tenure in Mali, he served at the MINUSMA Command Post from August 2022 to December 2023 as the Logistics Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS Support) of the Force. He was responsible for logistical support to 17,000 civilian and military personnel in a very challenging environment, drawing the attention of Lieutenant General Jean-Michel Meunier, then Chief of Staff of MINUSMA, for his exemplary professionalism.

India on Wednesday (November 26) said it has received a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that the request is being examined. “Yes, we have received the request and this request is being examined,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters while responding to a question at a regular briefing in New Delhi. He said they, as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in ‘peace, democracy, inclusion and stability’ in that country. Read more: ICT releases full verdict on Hasina, Kamal’s death penalty The MEA spokesperson reiterated that they will always engage ‘constructively’ with all stakeholders to that end. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh expects an answer from India on its latest request for extradition of convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “I do not expect that they will answer within a week of Dhaka’s request but we expect we will get an answer,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday when a journalist wanted to know about the update on Hasina’s extradition request. When pressed further, Hossain said he is not saying that Dhaka is not going to get an answer but the fact is that they are not expecting a reply within seven days. Bangladesh wrote to India afresh seeking Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 against her. Adviser Hossain said the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, India through Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. He also acknowledged that Bangladesh did not receive a reply from India on its first request for extradition last year. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. Read more: Dhaka expects answer from Delhi on Hasina's extradition: Foreign Adviser The Foreign Affairs Adviser on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," it said. Read more: India’s Lt Gen Manish Luthra highlights Bangladesh-India friendship

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday dismissed the notion that choosing Boeing over Airbus might shape EU-Bangladesh relations and GSP-related discussions, stressing Bangladesh’s ties with Europe would not be affected by a commercial deal. “I do not believe our overall relations will be affected by a commercial deal,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz at ‘DCAB Talk’ said Bangladesh’s withdrawal from its commitment to purchase Airbus aircraft would have an impact on its trade relations with Europe. He said Bangladesh’s decision regarding the purchase of Airbus aircraft from France could influence the overall climate of bilateral and European economic relations. A decision on aircraft purchase could have an impact, not necessarily severe consequences, but certainly an effect on the overall atmosphere of bilateral economic relations, the Ambassador said. When his attention was drawn, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain said Ambassadors naturally promote the commercial interests of their own countries, but Bangladesh would make procurement decisions strictly on expert evaluation and national requirements. “Any ambassador will naturally try to promote his country’s products. It is normal and it is part of his responsibility. He has fulfilled his responsibility,” Hossain said. He said Bangladesh would not take decisions based on external pressure or commentary. “What matters for us is what our experts determine based on Bangladesh’s requirements and fleet size. We will not go outside expert opinion, nor will we make decisions based on what others say.” The German Ambassador said his country is the most important business partner for Bangladesh. “And we have the feeling that we have been treated this way in the bilateral relations and it should continue that way. I think we need reliability in business contexts.” He said they simply think now Airbus is delivering an excellent product. “I'm not the representative of the airline industry but I think it is an excellent choice in an increasing air aviation market that you have here.” Referring to aircraft purchase, the Ambassador said of course decisions that are linked to the bilateral economic relations also depend to a certain extent on decisions like that. “So things like the whole GSP plus decision or how these negotiations go that somehow affect the atmosphere and how decisions like Airbus are taken here. “ He, however, said it is a free and independent decision and they will continue to have close business relations because of its mutual interest. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC). DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz on Wednesday urged Bangladeshi applicants to submit accurate documents, warning that those who provide false or incorrect papers while applying for student visas are harming the chances of genuine students. “There are thousands of honest students who want to study in Germany, but those who submit documents that are not correct actually damage the chances of people who really want to study,” he said. The German Ambassador made the remarks at ‘DCAB Talk’ hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC). DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event. The envoy noted that student visa processing has become increasingly challenging as the number of Bangladeshi applicants continues to rise. He said it should go further up and they try their best to find organisational means to reduce waiting times. “One problem, to be honest with you, is that we have a high number of falsified and incorrect documents being submitted. This means our visa officers need far more time than in many other countries to verify whether an application is genuine,” said the Ambassador. When asked for comments, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain acknowledged the issue and said the fault lies on the Bangladesh side. He urged Bangladeshi visa seekers to refrain from submitting false documents, noting that similar problems are observed in each country. The Ambassador reiterated that Germany seeks a “win-win situation,” as the country faces an aging population while Bangladesh has a young, eager workforce. In recent years, the number of Bangladeshi students enrolling in German universities has steadily increased. “We are also thinking of how to promote vocational training and how to expand these opportunities,” Dr Lotz said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh expects an answer from India on its latest request for extradition of convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “I do not expect that they will answer within a week of Dhaka’s request but we expect we will get an answer,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a journalist wanted to know about the update on Hasina’s extradition request. When pressed further, Hossain said he is not saying that Dhaka is not going to get an answer but the fact is that they are not expecting a reply within seven days. Bangladesh wrote to India afresh seeking Hasina’s extradition following the recent verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal-1. Adviser Hossain said the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, India through Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. He also acknowledged that Bangladesh did not receive a reply from India on its first request for extradition last year. On November 17, the ICT sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. The Foreign Affairs Adviser on Sunday (November 23) disclosed the fresh diplomatic communication with New Delhi A diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB that the diplomatic note (note verbale) was sent to New Delhi soon after National Security Adviser (NSA) and High Representative for the Rohingya Issue Dr Khalilur Rahman’s returns home from New Delhi. Dr Rahman attended the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) in New Delhi on November 20 at the invitation of Indian NSA Ajit Doval. After the verdict, Bangladesh urged the government of India to immediately hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both convicted already, to its authorities. This is also an obligation for India under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. "It would be a grave act of unfriendly conduct and a travesty of justice for any other country to grant shelter to these individuals convicted of crimes against humanity," it said. Meanwhile, India said it noted the verdict announced by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning Hasina and said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders. “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country,” said India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement. The India ministry said they will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.

German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz on Wednesday highlighted the importance of a “free, fair, credible and participatory” election in Bangladesh with a high outcome, and hoped that the political parties will refrain from violence amongst each other during the election campaign. “I think it's important to have a free, fair, credible and participatory election and an election with a high outcome. I would like to see of course a peaceful election campaign where parties refrain from political violence amongst each other,” he said. The German Ambassador made the remarks at ‘DCAB Talk’ hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Jatiya Press Club (JPC). DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.   Talking about the upcoming national election, scheduled for February next year, Ambassador Lotz said this is something that has an importance that goes far beyond Bangladesh, a country that returns from “autocracy to democracy” and has an impact all over Asia and in the truest sense in the world democracy. Explaining what he meant by participatory election, the envoy said participatory means people have the chance to participate in the elections and a plurality of parties can participate, making sure that “no one is hindered from participating” in the elections. Regarding expected voter turnout, the Ambassador referred to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus who had mentioned a threshold of 60% which would be the goal to reach. “That's very reasonable. Of course we cannot influence that but I think high voter turnout is a very important element,” Ambassador Lotz said, highlighting the importance of an election process where no one is intimidated, where people can freely express their opinion and where the election result is counted in a way that is correct. The German Ambassador who submitted his credentials in August said he always likes the expression that Prof Yunus has used - a joyful election and that is really a moment of joy to see. He, however, said they all know there are challenges on the way to come to that point. “You will have our support, the European Union will most likely also send an observer mission - a very big one - because it's a big and an important country.” Rizvi slams Hasina over reported gold recovery from bank vaults Ambassador Lotz said this is an important basis as they share values of how a government should be formed. “When I came here and started to talk to people, I was really amazed about the openness of people and I don't talk only about the economic and political elite. When you talk to ordinary people, people are willing to express their opinion and that is something which shows how strong the democratic roots in the country actually are.” Responding to a question, the Ambassador said voter turnouts are different in different countries and in many Western countries they differ from 50pc to 80pc or so and that does not really put into question the legitimacy of the elections. “I think the higher the turnout the better. And I think as a mark that somehow indicates a good turnout,” he added.  Ambassador Lotz said they are convinced together with their European partners that the country needs free and fair and credible elections. “We have the impression that the country all in all is in a good way to achieve that. One line I always have when talking also to people back home - you will have the biggest democratic elections in the world in 2026,” he added. Regional Cooperation The Ambassador said the region needs regional cooperation and in Europe they have had very positive experiences with regional cooperation. He said the European Union, as a form of regional working together, is really working closely together. “I think we have come pretty far in Europe when it comes to this form of cooperation.” Ambassador Lotz, however, said now every region in the world is different and has other historic experiences. “So we cannot completely copy one system but I think all over the world there are probably few regions in the world who have so little regional cooperation like South Asia. And this is something which I think the region as a whole must see as a challenge that should be addressed and no matter who governs,” he added. The Ambassador said there are geographical realities that will always be here. “Your neighbor will always be India. China will always play a major role. That is not so surprising and I think that will stay like that.” He said all other foreign policy decisions are the independent decisions of a sovereign government after the elections. National Reconciliation The German Ambassador said what the country needs in the long run or in the short run is eventually a process of “national reconciliation” and a national dialogue. “If I may say so, I say that has been missing here for many years. The country has to come together. Now I understand that it's difficult in a situation where the representatives of the former regime are not willing to admit that something went profoundly wrong,” he said. Ambassador Lotz said this is something they are not there yet but he could imagine that after the elections and in the upcoming time after the elections, there must be at the time when it comes really to the need to get into such form of national reconciliation. Responding to a question, the Ambassador said it is important in general that political parties stay committed to the reform process and stay committed to the reform process also after the elections. “I see the July Charter and the whole process as an attempt really to have a clear commitment whoever governs to continue this reform process. So far I see there is a broad willingness to go in this direction,” he said. This is something they discussed also internally with leaders of political parties and they will continue to do so because, Ambassador Lotz said, adding that it is really the key for this country that this reform process that started in August 2024 is going on even further. Hasina’s Trial Asked what would be Germany’ position if convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks shelter in Germany, the Ambassador said they have not received any question or any wish in that direction. “So, I think if that would ever happen, we would start a discussion process but it's such a theoretical question whether we would be willing or not and I think I'm not in a position to answer that,” he added. When it comes to the legal procedure, Ambassador Lotz said, it is of key importance to have a legal way to confront the injustice of the past, abuse of power by the past regime. This is important for any country after such a political change. “So yes, that has to happen.” He said the European Union and Germany have always been against the death penalty without exception. “So of course we are also in this case against the death penalty.” Dhaka writes to Delhi afresh seeking Hasina’s extradition