United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh's strategic location and its human resources can transform the country into a manufacturing hub for top global companies -- both from China and elsewhere in the world. The Chief Adviser invited top Chinese private manufacturers to relocate their factories to Bangladesh, saying his government would offer attractive benefits for the manufacturers and provide a trade corridor. "Bangladesh can be complementary to China as far as manufacturing is concerned," Prof Yunus said when  Chairman of China's Export-Import Bank Chen Huaiyu met him on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 at the Chinese coastal town of Boao. Dr Yunus said the interim government is fast-tracking construction of a Chinese Special Economic Zone in the Chattogram region. The Chairman of China's Export-Import Bank said his bank would support the relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh to use the country as a platform for export to other nations. The Chinese Exim Bank is a key financier of Beijing-funded infrastructure and energy projects in Bangladesh, but this is the first time it showed interest in supporting investment from Chinese private manufacturers in the South Asian country. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh was also building large new ports to serve not only its economy but also the landlocked countries of Nepal and Bhutan and India's seven northeastern states. CA Dr Yunus off to China, eyeing to take Dhaka-Beijing ties to new height Chen Huaiyu said Bangladesh is perfectly located to serve both southeastern and far eastern Asia and also the Middle East and Western Asia, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. He said more and more Chinese companies are going global, and his bank would support their investment in Bangladesh and "develop manufacturing" in the country. Chen Huaiyu said the bank would also support building infrastructures in Bangladesh to support the country's socio-economic and sustainable growth. Citing how Vietnam has transformed its economy by attracting Chinese and Western manufacturers, Chen said Bangladesh needs to improve its business environment in an effort to woo investors from China. "We will learn from Vietnam," Professor Yunus said. During the meeting, Bangladeshi officials also sought quick disbursement of Exim's funding and support in new infrastructure projects such as the Dasherkandi Sewage plant. Dhaka also urged the bank to reduce the bank's commitment fees, which raise project costs. Chen said his bank would look into these proposals, and urged Bangladesh to switch to take more concessionary loans in RMB, the Chinese currency. Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 The senior officials from both countries are likely to reconvene soon to firm up and take decisive actions enabling key decisions, which were made in the meeting on Thursday. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative of the Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Ashiq Chowdhury were also present during the meeting.

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. Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Chen Huaiyu met the Chief Adviser today (Thursday), a senior official told UNB. After the meeting, he will go to the BFA International Convention Centre to address the opening plenary of the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025. 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 will also speak at the session while Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, will deliver the keynote speech. On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr Yunus will hold bilateral meetings with the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and the current Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, the Director-General of FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) and several other notable participants of the conference, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. 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. Russia keen to help Bangladesh ensure food, energy security: Ambassador Khozin 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. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to leave Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport for Beijing at 7pm (China time), an official told UNB. Dr Yunus will reach Beijing International Airport at around 10:55pm (China time) after approximately four hours journey by air. The Chief Adviser will be received by Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of China. Kids will also greet Dr Yunus with flowers. On Friday morning, Dr Yunus will be at the Great Hall of China amid static guard of honour. After the meeting, Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will pose for a joint photo. They will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, Jashim Uddin said. Dr Yunus will participate in an event called "Investment Dialogue" with Chinese business leaders, organised to inform the Chinese investors about the business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser will participate in three roundtable discussions on different themes - Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue, where he will exchange views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese. Putin eyes Dhaka-Moscow productive ties to strengthen regional security, stability On Saturday morning, the Chief Adviser will visit Peking University and receive the Honorary Doctorate. After receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree, the Chief Adviser will deliver a speech to the audience. In the afternoon, Dr Yunus will give exclusive interview to China Media Group (CMG), a renowned Chinese media organisation, and Xinhua (likely) where various aspects of the multidimensional relations between Bangladesh and China and the future direction of Bangladesh's position on various contemporary international issues will be shared. The Chief Adviser will attend a dinner to be hosted by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to China. Bilateral Instruments to Signed Bangladesh and China are set to sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) as Dr Yunus and President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting in Beijing on March 28. The bilateral cooperation documents are likely to be signed in the areas of human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation and cooperation between the media.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin has said they remain committed to partnering with Dhaka in realising its vision of a prosperous nation by contributing to the country's food and energy security, as well as cooperating internationally on a range of essential issues. "Mutual affinity, respect and understanding define our multifaceted ties for the benefit of peoples of Russia and Bangladesh," he said in a message. The Ambassador said Bangladesh-Russia relations have a solid basis which goes back to the early 1970's. Warmly congratulating the friendly Bangladeshi people on Independence Day, the Russian Ambassador said the chequered history of Bangladesh is full of amasing acts of resilience and patriotism of the Bangladeshi people. "Over more than half a century, your country has gone through fundamental political, economic and social changes," he said. Putin eyes Dhaka-Moscow productive ties to strengthen regional security, stability Today, Ambassador Khozin said, Bangladesh has become a role model in the Global South in combating poverty reduction and climate change, promoting education and women’s empowerment, contributing to regional connectivity and respectful dialogue in the global arena.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Bangladesh-Russia relations are based on well-established traditions of friendship and mutual respect. "I am confident that they will continue to develop in a productive manner for the benefits of our peoples, and in the interests of strengthening regional security and stability," he said in a message to President Mohammed Shahabuddin. President Putin wished his Bangladesh counterpart sound health and success, as well as peace and prosperity to all citizens of Bangladesh, according to the Russian Embassy in Dhaka. Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Bangladesh-Russis relations have been developing in the spirit of friendship and mutual respect. In a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Russian Prime Minister said cooperation in the areas of trade and economic, scientific and technical, cultural and humanitarian has been deepening steadily and ambitious joint projects are progressing. CA Dr Yunus reaches Hainan Province to attend Boao Forum for Asia "I am confident that active work along the government lines will be conducive to strengthening the entire gamut of practical interactions," he said, adding that this fully meets the interests of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of Bangladesh. On behalf of the government of the Russian Federation and on his own behalf, Prime Minister Mishustin extended congratulations on the occasion of National Day and Independence Day of Bangladesh. He wished Dr Yunus sound health, well-being and success in his responsible position, as well as happiness and prosperity to the people of Bangladesh.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution on the scope, modalities, format, and organisation of the high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar under the sponsorship of Malaysia and Finland. The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Ambassador Md Salahuddin Noman Choudhury, made an intervention during the open debate session on Tuesday and proposed a vote on this resolution, as Russia had proposed several amendments that Bangladesh did not accept. The President of the General Assembly convened the vote, and the resolution was adopted with 141 votes in favour. There was no vote against the resolution. However, 10 countries abstained from voting. The adoption of this resolution is a significant landmark in resolving the Rohingya issue in the future, as it comes at a time when Dhaka is planning to organise a special summit on the Rohingya crisis in New York in September.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was warmly welcomed upon his arrival here on Wednesday to attend Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 before his bilateral talks with President Xi Jingping scheduled for March 28. Vice Governor of Hainan Province, together with Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam received the Chief Adviser upon his arrival at Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport by a special China Southern flight at around 4:15pm (BD Time), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Kids also greeted the Chief Adviser with flowers. 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. 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. Boao is a coastal town in the city of Qionghai, Hainan. This year's conference is expected to draw about 2,000 delegates from over 60 countries and regions and more than 1,100 journalists from about 30 countries and regions. The Chief Adviser is on a four-day official visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Dhaka-Beijing relations to be deepened further: Dr Yunus A bilateral meeting will be held between the delegations of the two countries led by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and Executive Vice Premier of the State Council of China Ding Xuexiang on Thursday morning, just before the formal opening of the Boao Forum for Asia, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr Yunus will hold bilateral meetings with the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and the current Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, the Director-General of FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) and several other notable participants of the conference. Talks with President Xi on March 28 On March 28, a bilateral meeting will be held between the delegations of the two countries led by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and President of China Xi Jingping at the Great Hall of China. The meeting will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, Jashim Uddin said. After the meeting, he will participate in an event called "Investment Dialogue" with Chinese business leaders, organised to inform the Chinese investors about the business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and attract Chinese investment in Bangladesh. JICA signs Tk 6,700 crore loan deals with Bangladesh for 2 projects The Chief Adviser will participate in three roundtable discussions on different themes - Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue, where he will exchange views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday left for China on four-day official visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. A special China Southern flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1pm. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen had a brief meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the airport before his (CA) departure. 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. Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and Vice Governor of Hainan Province will receive the Chief Adviser upon his arrival at Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport at around 7pm, a senior official told UNB. "I will meet with President Xi Jinping. I will also meet with CEOs of major Chinese businesses," Dr Yunus said ahead of the visit. The bilateral meeting will be held at the Great Hall of China on March 28. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Dr Yunus said the world's largest Chinese solar panel manufacturer Longji has expressed interest in setting up a factory in Bangladesh. "We are working with them. In addition, technical assistance, medical assistance, low-cost treatment and other issues will be discussed," he said, adding that they (China) want to import mangoes, jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh. "This will start very soon." Bangladesh and China are set to sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to hold a bilateral meeting in Beijing on March 28. The bilateral cooperation documents are likely to be signed in the areas of human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation and cooperation between the media. Besides, announcements related to economy, investment and economic zones are likely to be made, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. The two leaders will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment promotion, cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, among other matters of mutual interest between the two countries, said the Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary said China is Bangladesh's best friend, closest neighbor, strategic partner and one of the largest commercial and development partners. Bangladesh and China enjoy excellent diplomatic relations, which are deepening, he said, adding that this year the two countries have undertaken programs to celebrate the 50 years of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. The Foreign Secretary said the visit would add a new dimension in Dhaka-Beijing relations with further momentum. The Chief Adviser will attend roundtable discussions on Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment; Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities; Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements. Dr Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height. “This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen who met Dr Yunus on March 16. Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub. Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus "We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost exports from Bangladesh to the global market. He said there will be a series of engagements during the chief adviser's China visit. On the sidelines of the forum, Alam said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies. Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. The chief adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day). As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province.

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh with India reiterating its commitment to advancing partnership for peace, stability and prosperity. "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," Modi said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Modi extended his felicitations to Dr Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh. "This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership," said the Indian Prime Minister. He said the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for the relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples. President Droupadi Murmu, in her message to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day." Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 She said Bangladesh-India relations are multi-faceted with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to people exchanges. The Indian President said Bangladesh is at the focus of India's "Neighborhood First" and "Act East" policies. "Our SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. India reiterates its support for a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," she said.

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed "potential acquisition" of US-origin equipment to enhance interoperability and capabilities. Lt Gen Joel P Vowell, Deputy Commanding General, US Army Pacific, visited Bangladesh om March 24 – 25, said the US Embassy in Dhaka.  During his visit, Lt Gen Vowell met counterparts in the armed forces of Bangladesh, reinforcing the US Army’s commitment to a strong relationship with the Bangladesh Army while highlighting shared security interests and ongoing collaboration.  Committed to working together to make both nations "safer, stronger": US to Bangladesh This includes recognition of the Bangladesh Army’s ongoing support to domestic security, particularly in light of other demands such as disaster response; dialogue on Bangladesh’s primary military challenges and potential areas where the US can provide support; discussion of Exercise TIGER LIGHTNING in Summer ’25 and appreciation for the professionalism of the Bangladesh military and the importance of professional military forces in ensuring regional stability.

Congratulating the people of Bangladesh, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to working together to make both the nations "safer, stronger, and more prosperous." "The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future. We look forward to continuing our partnership promoting economic development and regional security in the Indo-Pacific," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. On behalf of the United States of America, US Secretary of State Rubio congratulated the people of Bangladesh as they celebrate their Independence Day on March 26. This celebration comes at a pivotal point in Bangladesh’s history, as the interim government prepares the nation for elections that will allow the people of Bangladesh to choose the path forward for their nation, he said. As Bangladesh marks this special occasion, the US Secretary of State extended his warm regards to its people and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working together. Dhaka-Beijing relations to be deepened further: Dr Yunus Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in a message earlier, said achieving independence was the final stage of a long struggle to protect the dignity and existence and to gain the rights. "The bloody War of Independence, through which Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in the world, officially began on this day," Dr Yunus said. He remembered with reverence the valiant martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the War of Independence, whose supreme sacrifices brought the desired freedom. Dr Yunus extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangladeshis living in the country and abroad. The Chief Adviser said the interim government is fully committed to further developing and strengthening the country and delivering the full benefits of independence to the people. Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 "We are working to establish good governance and justice to ensure people-orientated and sustainable development, and ensure transparency and accountability through necessary reforms in all spheres of the state," he said in his message on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day. "On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day and National Day, let us take the oath to work for the development, peace and prosperity of the country, keeping in mind the spirit of the great liberation war.”