United News of Bangladesh

As part of Australia’s growing bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, the Albanese Labor Government has announced the establishment of a new ‘Home Affairs Office’ in Dhaka. "This was raised with me on my recent visit to Bangladesh and I’m pleased we’ve been able to work with the interim government to make it happen," said Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, MP on Thursday. This reflects the shared commitment to promoting safe and regular migration opportunities and combatting irregular migration and people smuggling, the Australian Ministry said. Australian Visa Center to open in Dhaka by end of March The office will support prospective Bangladesh migrants by increasing access to comprehensive visa information services for people who are considering lawful and regular migration to Australia. Located in Bangladesh’s capital, it will also serve as a central point of contact for the Bangladesh government to facilitate increased engagement and cooperation on immigration and border related matters. Australia said it remains committed to working closely with Bangladesh as an important partner in the Indian Ocean region, where they share an interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. The Australian government thanked Bangladesh’s interim government for its cooperation in countering people smuggling and promoting safe and regular migration pathways.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh would import more wheat and fertiliser from Russia and also keen to see Russian energy giant Gazprom conducts more offshore and onshore exploration activities in the country. The issues came up for discussion when Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexei Overchuk met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Conference in the Chinese resort town. During the meeting the two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, including the operation of the Russian-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Bangladesh's plan to import wheat and fertiliser from Russia and Gazprom's gas exploration work in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus said financial issues over the Rooppur power plant have been sorted out with Bangladesh repaying the money in an account in Dhaka, according to CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Russia keen to help Bangladesh ensure food, energy security: Ambassador Khozin He said the power plant is expected to start generating power on a trial basis by the end of this year. Alexei Overchuk stressed increasing people-to-people contacts between the two countries, saying Russia would like to see more Bangladeshi students studying in the country. He said Russia would like to export more wheat and fertiliser to Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and High Representative to the Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman were also present during the meeting.    

China and Bangladesh on Thursday agreed to deepen their relationship with full support from Beijing to the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "President Xi Jinping attaches tremendous importance to your visit," Chinese Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang told Dr Yunus, adding that China hopes Bangladesh would prosper and grow under his leadership. President Xi and Dr Yunus are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at Great Hall of China in the Chinese capital city on Friday. The executive vice-premier said his country would fund modernisation efforts of the Mongla Port and the Dasherkandi Sewage project. The two countries also agreed to boost investment, trade and cultural ties, people to people exchanges as they mark 50 years since the establishment of their diplomatic relationships. The Chinese vice-premier met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the coastal Chinese town and the two leaders also led a bilateral meeting between the two nations. During the meeting, the chief adviser reiterated the country's firm commitment to the One-China policy and said Dhaka takes pride in being the first South Asian country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Dhaka sought Chinese support in an array of developments and livelihood projects and also called for reduction of interest rates for Chinese loans from 3% to 1-2 % to Bangladesh. It also sought a waiver of commitment fees on the Chinese-funded projects in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume The chief adviser also sought Beijing's help in facilitating the relocation of the Chinese manufacturing industries, including ready-made garments, electric vehicles, light machinery, high-tech electronics, chip manufacturing and the solar panel industry. Vice-Premier Ding said Beijing will extend duty-free and quota-free access to Bangladeshi goods to China until 2028 – two years after Dhaka graduates from a Least Developed Country to a middle-income economy. Beijing is also keen to start free trade negotiations with Dhaka, he said. The vice premier said China last year signed a protocol to import mango from Bangladesh. Officials said Bangladesh's mango export to China would begin this summer. Beijing would also import jackfruit and guava and other aquatic products from the country in Its attempt  at minimising huge trade imbalance, he said. He said the Chinese government and its universities would grant more scholarships to Bangladeshi students.   Several thousand Bangladeshi students are already studying in Chinese universities. The vice premier assured Chinese funding for the purchase of four ocean-going vessels for Dhaka's state-run Bangladesh Shipping Corporation. He said Beijing would foster dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar in an effort to resolve the Rohingya crisis. The chief adviser thanked the Chinese leadership for their support, saying Thursday's meeting "marks another milestone in the ever-deepening Bangladesh-China partnership". "Let us resolve to work together to usher in a new era of friendship, cooperation and collaboration, reinforcing the strategic ties between our two nations," he said. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy, Rail and Road Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to the Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman and BiDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik were present during the meeting.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sought support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in an effort to export fruits and farm products to China in a bigger way. The Chief Adviser met FAO Director General Qu Dongyu on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the coastal Chinese town where he made the request for support, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Professor Yunus said China is emerging as a top importer of agriculture and aquaculture products, but Bangladesh was unable to tap into the market due to a lack of understanding of the Chinese markets. FAO, Bangladesh join forces to make public spending key driver of productivity, prosperity He urged the FAO DG, who was a former senior official of China, to act as a matchmaker between Chinese importers and Bangladesh farm and fruit producers. "We need support in fruit processing and in vegetable preservation, storage and packaging. You can connect China with our farmers and exporters," Professor Yunus said. He said China would soon import mangoes from Bangladesh, and the country can easily develop more exportable vegetables and fruits with FAO's assistance. The Director General offered FAO's full support to Bangladesh, saying his organisation would take up a new project in an effort to export Bangladesh farm products to China. "We are matchmakers. We will establish a new network" between Bangladeshi and Chinese farm companies, Qu Dongyu said. He said Bangladesh is the largest recipient of FAO's assistance, and he wished that Bangladesh would do well under the leadership of Professor Yunus. FAO, Bangladesh to work together to accelerate food security "You are my older brother. I sincerely hope your country does great. We will help you, for sure, he said. Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Kabir Khan was also present during the meeting.  

Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, during his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday said Bangladesh progressed a lot but "should have done better" politically and democratically. Dr Yunus sought support and advice from the fomer UN Secretary-General for a smooth transition to democracy in Bangladesh. “We want to start anew; we need your support and advice. We are having a great opportunity now,” Dr Yunus told Ban Ki-moon as they met on the sidelines of the BOAO Forum Asia Annual Conference. Ban Ki-moon, also Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, praised the leadership of Prof Yunus and said that under his leadership, Bangladesh will do much better. “Bangladesh now has a leader in you who is respected worldwide,” said Ban Ki-moon. The former UN Secretary-General recalled his role in seating up diplomatic relationships between Bangladesh and South Korea when he was a young diplomat posted in New Delhi. Dr Yunus holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier, Ban Ki-moon, other foreign leaders  “It was my pen that was used to sign the agreement to formalise Korea’s diplomatic relationship with Bangladesh,” he recalled. Professor Yunus said that once Korea and Bangladesh were on the same line, but now Korea has zoomed ahead. “People of Bangladesh are wonderful, but political leadership destroyed us,” he said. Ban Ki-moon said that he introduced Bangladesh to Kihak Sung, the Chairman of Youngone Corporation and one of the most respectful business leaders in Korea, who later went on to expand his business in a specialised economic zone in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser said that Bangladesh recently settled a long-pending land issue with the Korean EPZ in Chattogram, hoping that it would encourage more Korean business people to invest in Bangladesh. Asia must strengthen cooperation as destinies are intertwined: Dr Yunus Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, informed the meeting that Kihak Sung would lead a 26-member strong business delegation from Korea in the upcoming Business Summit in Dhaka next month, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. The Chief Adviser also sought Ban Ki-moon’s support in settling the Rohingya crisis and invited him to visit Bangladesh at an opportune time.  

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Thursday morning met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who is attending the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, and discussed issues of shared interests and mutual cooperation. The meeting was held at Bo’ao State Guest House and lasted for over 30 minutes. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, had separate meetings earlier on Wednesday with other foreign leaders who are attending the conference. Dr Yunus begins day at Boao with packed schedule; holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Chen Huaiyu met the Chief Adviser today (Thursday). After the meeting, he addressed the opening plenary of the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 at the BFA International Convention Centre Zhang Jun, Secretary General of Bo’ao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of Bo’ao Forum for Asia and Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR also spoke at the session while Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, delivered the keynote speech. On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr Yunus held meetings with the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and the current Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and the Director-General of FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) Qu Dongyu. Themed "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future", the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 is being held here from March 25 to 28 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. Asia must strengthen cooperation as destinies are intertwined: Dr Yunus Boao is a coastal town in the city of Qionghai, Hainan. The Chief Adviser is on a four-day visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said Asia must step up and strengthen cooperation in four key areas -- financial, trade; food and agriculture and technology, stressing Bangladesh faces multiple challenges which are shared by other Asian countries. "In this changing world, the destinies of Asian countries are intertwined. We must chart a clear roadmap for a shared future and shared prosperity," he said while delivering his speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. "This is the shared future we in Asia must create together," he added. Zhang Jun, Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia; Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary- General of the United Nations and Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia; Ding Xuexiang, Executive Vice Premiere of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, among others spoke at the session. For more than seven years, Dr Yunus said, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas who are Myanmar nationals. "We continue to bear significant social, economic and environmental costs," he said, adding that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently visited the camps in solidarity. While global efforts are drastically shrinking but continuing, Dr Yunus said, Asian leaders must come together to ensure their safe and dignified repatriation to their home country, Myanmar. The protracted crisis in Myanmar threatens regional stability, he said. In today's poly-crisis world, the Chief Adviser said wars and conflicts erode rights and disrupt economies. The genocide in Gaza continues despite global condemnation, Dr Yunus said, noting that the crisis in Palestine is not just an Arab or Muslim concern, it is a humanitarian issue. "The continued tension in Ukraine is heavily tolling the global supply chain," he said. Dr Yunus said Asia must create a sustainable financing mechanism. "We need reliable funds that address our challenges and meet our growing demands," he said. The Chief Adviser said Asia remains one of the least integrated regions. "This weak integration stifles investment and trade. We must work to boost trade cooperation immediately." He also said they must promote resource-efficient farming. "Domestic production must be enhanced for food security. We need to reduce import reliance and achieve self-sufficiency," Dr Yunus said. Dr Yunus begins day at Boao with packed schedule; holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier Expanding tech-based sustainable agricultural solutions and innovation in regenerative and climate-smart farming is the key, he said. The Chief Adviser said Asia must build a strong tech ecosystem, which should be restorative, distributive and inclusive. "We need to share knowledge, data and invest in technology incubation and innovation," he said, adding that collaboration on digital solutions will drive progress. The Chief Adviser said mobilising intellectual resources and youth power must be at the centre of their collective actions. "We must lay the foundation for a new civilization: a self-preserving and self-reinforcing society," Dr Yunus said. He said they must create a counter-culture based on a zero-waste lifestyle. Dr Yunus said consumption should be limited to essential needs. "Our economy should focus on social business, which is increasingly regarded as to chart the future of business; where innovation, purpose, and responsibility converge." He said Boao Forum and other similar initiatives in Asia should enhance collaboration of youth and entrepreneurs to make Asia a better place for the generations to come. "As I always mention, every young person should grow up as a three-zero person: zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment through entrepreneurship in social business," he said. Dr Yunus said global financial market instability, political uncertainties, diplomatic tensions and trade disruptions create volatility. Rising interest rates and debt servicing costs are deepening Asia's debt crisis, he said. "Despite global commitments to the 2030 Agenda, progress is slow." "Only 24% of SDG targets have been met. Developing Asian countries face an SDG financing gap of 2.5 to 4 trillion US dollars annually," Dr Yunus said. Beyond SDG financing, he said, Asia also needs large-scale investments in infrastructure and economic diversification through responsible financing. Bangladesh has been a victim of corruption and illicit financial flows, Dr Yunus said. These corrupt practices cost developing countries an estimated 1 trillion US dollar annually which is multiple times more than the total ODA they receive, he mentioned. Dr Yunus said Asia should stand united to establish a multilateral mediation mechanism for asset recovery and return. Strategic location, human resources can transform Bangladesh into manufacturing hub: Dr Yunus Food security is under increasing pressure. Rising prices of essential commodities are straining household budgets, especially for low-income families, he said. Climate change and natural disasters are exacerbating this crisis, Dr Yunus mentioned. "Strengthening food supply chains is essential." He said energy security is critical, especially for net-importing developing countries. Energy supply disruptions drive inflation, economic instability and debt distress. "We must find sustainable energy solutions and scale up investments in renewables. Investing in health and education is crucial for human capital development," said the Chief Adviser. He said a well-educated, skilled workforce drives economic growth and innovation. "Countries that invest in universal healthcare see better economic productivity. Digital education and vocational training must be expanded to equip our youth for the jobs of the future," he said. Sharing his thoughts on the theme "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future," Dr Yunus said this forum takes place at a critical juncture. "Global governance under multilateralism is being questioned. Geopolitical tensions are rising. Climate change is escalating. Debt burdens are unsustainable. Humanitarian crises are growing," he said. The Chief Adviser said political will for development cooperation is weakening and the world faces an alarming shortfall in collective action. Asia, home to 60% of the global population and 55% of global GDP, is at the center of these changes. "Emerging norms, regulations, and technologies are reshaping governance and economic policies. Assumptions that shaped policies a decade ago are no longer relevant. The need for regional and global cooperation has never been more pressing," said the Chief Adviser. In 2007, Dr Yunus attended the Boao Forum for Asia to share insights on microcredit. Dr Yunus said their civilization is at risk as they continue to embrace self-destructive economic values. "The dominant economic model thrives on limitless consumption. It justifies over-extraction of resources and environmental degradation in the name of growth.  We must shift toward sustainable economic models that prioritize people and the planet over profits." The climate crisis poses an existential threat to humanity, he said. In the Asia-pacific region, climate disaster-related economic losses are already enormous, which is equivalent to 65 billion US dollars. BIDA Chairman, CCECC President discuss potential 2nd Chinese economic zone in Mongla Climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh are forced to divert resources toward disaster response, limiting investments in productive sectors. "We need new, additional, accessible, non-ODA, non-debt-creating, grant-based climate finance, with an equitable distribution between adaptation and mitigation. Universal access to life-saving medicines and technologies must be guaranteed," Dr Yunus said. Asian cultural diversity, with its rich tapestry of languages, traditions, philosophies and customs, is a testament to the resilience and creativity of human civilization, Yunus said. The philosophies of Islam, Confucianism, Buddhism and Hinduism, among others, have shaped global thought, offering unique perspectives on morality, governance, and the human spirit. "Asia's civilisations have flourished by embracing diversity. Over the centuries, the vibrant exchanges of cultural diversity has not only impacted the region but have shaped the world," he said. Asia's demographic dividend presents immense potential. "A growing workforce, particularly young people, can drive innovation and productivity. We must provide them access to finance for entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions," Dr Yunus said. Investing in human capital and an education system aligned with the evolving global job market will shape Asia's future competitiveness, he said. Women's labour force participation in Asia remains low. Gender gaps persist in leadership and decision-making. "We must remove barriers to women's economic empowerment and ensure equal access to opportunities," Dr Yunus said.

President Donald Trump has said this time of transition presents an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to build capacity for democracy, economic progress and enhanced security.  "I am confident that we can advance our bilateral economic development while we strengthen our relationship and work together on promoting regional security in the Indo-Pacific," President Trump said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.  He said the United States looks forward to continuing their partnership in this coming decisive year.  Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus President Trump conveyed greetings to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Independence Day, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. "On behalf of the American people, I wish you and the people of Bangladesh a happy Independence Day," Trump said. "On the occasion of this Independence Day celebration, please accept my sincere best wishes to you and the people of Bangladesh," he added.

The interim government on Thursday said the USCIRF’s portrayal of the religious freedom situation in Bangladesh is based on misinformation and selective reporting. "The interim government is not responsible for the violence alleged, and the police investigations show that the incidents cited are unrelated to religious hatred," said the Chief Adviser’s press wing in a statement. The USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom) released its 2025 Annual Report on March 25. The report documents religious freedom conditions in 2024 and recommends policy to the White House, Congress and State Department to advance freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad. Congress mandated USCIRF’s annual report in the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998. "It is simply not true that the interim Government of Bangladesh is responsible for the violence alleged in the USCIRF report," the statement, shared by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, reads. Minority community leaders slam US report on religious freedom, call it “biased” The assertion that the violence occurred following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is misleading and lacks solid evidence. Despite the challenges faced during this period, the interim government expressed a clear commitment to protecting all minority communities, said the statement. This stance was evident in their public statements and efforts to mitigate any harm to vulnerable groups, it mentioned. "However, the USCIRF report omits these positive steps and instead focuses on a narrative of worsening religious freedom, which does not align with the actual situation on the ground," the statement reads. "Here’s why as claimed by Interim Government 1. No Evidence Linking Government to Violence:  There is no credible evidence supporting the claim that the Interim Government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, is responsible for violence targeting religious minorities. The Bangladesh Police have thoroughly investigated the incidents claimed by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council. Their investigations have revealed that the majority of reported deaths were not the result of communal violence or religious hatred but rather stemmed from personal disputes, accidents, property conflicts, and even suicides. These incidents were not based on religious motives but on other socio-economic or personal factors. 2.  Religious Minorities Are Not Being Targeted:  The claim that hundreds of Hindus were killed due to religious violence following Prime Minister Hasina’s departure is simply false. Since Hasina’s removal, almost no Hindus—or any other religious communities—have been killed in attacks driven by communal violence. “No majority-minority”: Jamaat Ameer This type of violence, which the report mentions, has not been substantiated by any reliable evidence. In fact, Bangladesh has witnessed a period of relative calm for religious minorities, contrary to the narrative suggested in the USCIRF report. 3. Investigation by Bangladesh Police: The Bangladesh Police have investigated the claims made by religious minority groups, such as the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council, and found only a handful of cases of organised, communal violence or hate crimes against religious groups. The nature of the deaths cited in the report was due to personal or familial reasons, not religious animus. The fact that these investigations are ignored in the USCIRF report only raises questions about the thoroughness and fairness of their research. 4. False Narratives Propagated by Media: The report mentions the proliferation of false claims through traditional and social media following the violent protests. However, it is critical to note that these media sources, often driven by political agendas, have spread misinformation aimed at discrediting the Interim Government. The USCIRF should have conducted independent investigations, rather than relying on potentially biased sources that spread disinformation. 5. USCIRF’s Lack of Independent Investigation: If USCIRF truly operates as an independent, bipartisan organization, it is disappointing that it did not carry out its own investigations into these events. Instead, it appears to have relied on unfounded claims and one-sided narratives, which serve only to taint Bangladesh's reputation unfairly. No communal link to 23 minority deaths: Deputy Press Secretary Had the USCIRF done its due diligence, it would have recognized that the situation in Bangladesh is not as dire as the report suggests, particularly regarding religious violence. 6. Context of Political Unrest: The political unrest in Bangladesh, including protests and clashes between political factions, has sometimes been misrepresented as religious violence. While there may have been tensions involving religious groups, it is essential to understand that these incidents were primarily linked to political affiliation rather than religious persecution. This distinction is critical in understanding the situation accurately and avoiding the oversimplification of complex political events as religious conflicts."

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun met China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) President Chen Sichang on the sidelines of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan, China, on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed a potential second Chinese economic zone in the Mongla area, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Strategic location, human resources can transform Bangladesh into manufacturing hub: Dr Yunus They also discussed potential collaboration to employ Bangladeshi workers across the globe in CCECC-run projects.