United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened through his four-day official visit that begins on Wednesday. "I am going to China on a four-day visit. I will meet with President Xi Jinping. I will also meet with CEOs of major Chinese businesses," he said ahead of the visit. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to leave Dhaka for China on Wednesday afternoon. 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. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin briefed reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday afternoon. MoFA Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, Directors General were present. The bilateral meeting will be held at the Great Hall of China. They 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. He 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. Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub. "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. On March 27, Dr Yunus will participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day. On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience. “China and Bangladesh are best friends and trustworthy partners. So, whatever change is taking place internationally or domestically in Bangladesh, our policy remains steadfast,” Ambassador Yao said recently, adding that no matter who forms the government China wants to be their partner and their policy is not related to any particular government. He said they believe their cooperation is for the benefit of all the Bangladeshi people and the people of China as well. BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said with the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting international development and cooperation. He said the theme is intended to reinvigorate multilateralism, promote openness and development, jointly respond to global challenges, and carry out the commitments of the UN Summit of the Future while focusing on the development of Asia. Many heads of international and regional organisations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. He said the event will focus on four subject areas: building trust and promoting cooperation in a fast-changing world; rebalancing globalisation for inclusive development; accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals for more effective responses to global challenges; and strengthening AI application and governance for innovation-driven development.

Recent shifts in the US leadership have demonstrated that policy changes, especially in tariff, taxation, trade, climate regulations, and monetary policies, can have far-reaching effects across the global economy, said the International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) on Tuesday. As the world's largest economy and a key geopolitical power, the United States plays a crucial role in global economic stability, according to the editorial of the ICCB’s current news bulletin (Jan-March 2025). Every transition in the US leadership has the capacity to impact global trade, financial markets, and international relations, said the chamber body. Given the significant impact of US policies on the global economy, nations, businesses, and financial institutions must anticipate economic shifts during administrative transitions, ICCB said. Strengthening trade partnerships, investing in emerging industries, and implementing policy reforms can help mitigate risks, the chamber body said. “A change in U.S. leadership is not just a domestic event; it has far-reaching global economic implications. Each administration introduces policies that can either support or disrupt financial stability worldwide. To prevent economic crises, nations must remain alert and adaptable to these shifts,” said the ICCB. Expanding regional trade agreements, developing alternative financial centers, and fostering self-sustaining industries can serve as protective measures during periods of instability, it said. While the US remains a key driver of global economic trends, promoting economic diversification and enhancing international cooperation are essential for sustained growth. By reducing reliance on a single economy and promoting collaborative growth strategies, the global community can build a more resilient financial system that withstands the uncertainties of U.S. political transitions. A protectionist approach, notably during Trump’s presidency, strained U.S. trade relations with China, Canada, and the European Union, triggering market volatility and economic slowdowns in trade-dependent nations. Additionally, U.S. monetary policy under various administrations plays a crucial role in global economies. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions influence global inflation and capital flows. When rates rise to curb domestic inflation, investors shift funds to the U.S., causing capital outflows, currency depreciation, and economic instability in developing countries. Another key aspect of administrative change is energy and climate policy. As a major consumer and producer of energy any U.S. policy shift has global economic implications. Trump officials shared Yemen war plans in group chat The Biden administration focused on renewable energy created economic uncertainties for fossil fuel-exporting nations like those in the Middle East and Russia, as global demand for oil and gas faced potential declines. In contrast, the Trump administration supporting fossil fuels benefited these nations by sustaining demand for their exports. This divergence in policies influenced global energy markets. As a result, energy-dependent economies had to adapt their strategies based on shifting U.S. priorities. The Trump administration's climate policies marked a sharp departure from global environmental commitments. With the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and deregulation of fossil fuel industries, the U.S. weakened international climate efforts. This rollback increased global carbon emissions, disrupted renewable energy investments, and shifted climate leadership to China and the EU. While benefiting fossil fuel economies, Trump's policies hindered global progress on climate change mitigation. U.S. foreign policy under different administrations plays a crucial role in global economic stability. Conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia are often shaped by U.S. diplomatic actions. Sanctions, military interventions, and peace agreements directly influence international markets. For instance, the Biden administration’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict resulted in severe economic sanctions on Russia, driving up global energy prices, fueling inflation and disrupting global trade. Likewise, ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China have significantly impacted the global supply chain, technology industries, and manufacturing. Policy uncertainties and trade restrictions on Chinese companies have disrupted industries reliant on semiconductor production and other critical technologies. Each U.S. government transition affects investor confidence, with Wall Street’s reaction influencing global markets. The Trump administration is expected to pursue further deregulation and tax cuts, potentially fueling market gains and corporate expansion. However, renewed protectionist trade policies, tariff escalations, and geopolitical unpredictability could disrupt global supply chains, increasing market volatility. While Biden’s regulatory approach focused on long-term stability, a Trump return may amplify economic uncertainty, affecting currency values, inflation, and stock market movements worldwide.

The Japan International Agency (JICA) on Tuesday signed two loan agreements with the government of Bangladesh at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) to provide Japanese ODA loans of up to a total of 85,819 million yen (equivalent to Tk 6,700 crore). The loan agreements were signed for the two projects - Food Safety Testing Capacity Development Project (Loan amount: 28,699 million yen) and Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project (VIII) (Loan amount: 57,120 million yen). ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office Ichiguchi Tomohide signed the agreements witnessed by Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi. Under the Food Safety Testing Capacity Development Project, JICA and the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) will work together to improve the food safety testing capacity of BFSA in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna Divisions by constructing a food safety reference laboratory building, a food safety testing room, a training building, an office building, and necessary capacity development. These will contribute to promoting the food processing industry, diversification and high value-adding of the industry, and prevention of diseases caused by unsafe food. The annual interest rate of the loan is 1.85 percent for the construction portion and 0.55 percent for consulting services, with a 30-year repayment period including a 10-year grace period. JICA to continue support to interim govt Matarbari Ultra Super Critical Coal-Fired Power Project aims to secure a reliable base load power and ensure fuel source diversification for Bangladesh. The project includes a 1,200MW highly efficient ultra-supercritical coal-fired plant, 400kV transmission lines, roads, and bridges. It also includes the first deep seaport of the country with a draft of 18.5-meters. The project also confirms social and economic development components for the local communities, such as electrification, schools, hospitals, playgrounds, community roads, job opportunities, and livelihood improvement programs. The annual interest rate of the Tranche VIII loan is 1.95 percent for civil works and equipment and 0.55 percent for consulting services, with a 30-year repayment period, including a 10-year grace period. JICA has financed a total of 712,430 million Japanese Yen for the Project till Tranche VIII. During the signing ceremony, Ichiguchi Tomohide emphasized, “Today we have agreed to implement two diversified projects. However, the objective of the both projects is one which is to support the people and government of Bangladesh to advance forward for prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable development.”

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. In addition, announcements related to economy, investment and economic zones are likely to be made. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin briefed the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday afternoon. MoFA Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, Directors General were present. The bilateral meeting will be held at the Great Hall of China. They 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. He 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. The Chief Adviser will pay an official visit to China from March 26-29. 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. Chief Adviser 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. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements   “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. "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. On March 27, Dr Yunus will participate in the inaugural plenary session of the BFA and Executive Vice President of the State Council will meet the Chief Adviser the same day. On August 25 last year, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the Chinese leadership's invitation to Dr Yunus to visit China at his convenience. This will be most important visit by any Bangladesh leader, says Ambassador Yao ahead of Dr Yunus' visit “China and Bangladesh are best friends and trustworthy partners. So, whatever change is taking place internationally or domestically in Bangladesh, our policy remains steadfast,” Ambassador Yao said recently, adding that no matter who forms the government China wants to be their partner and their policy is not related to any particular government. He said they believe their cooperation is for the benefit of all the Bangladeshi people and the people of China as well. BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun said with the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes, all aimed at promoting international development and cooperation.   He said the theme is intended to reinvigorate multilateralism, promote openness and development, jointly respond to global challenges, and carry out the commitments of the UN Summit of the Future while focusing on the development of Asia. Many heads of international and regional organisations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. Guterres: Societies "stronger, more resilient" in Bangladesh when everyone can play "meaningful role" He said the event will focus on four subject areas: building trust and promoting cooperation in a fast-changing world; rebalancing globalisation for inclusive development; accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals for more effective responses to global challenges; and strengthening AI application and governance for innovation-driven development.

The 2025 Joint Response Plan (JRP) has requested $934.5 million to reach 1.48 million people, including Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox’s Bazar and Bashan Char and Bangladeshi host communities in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Under the leadership of the Bangladesh government, the 2025-26 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis was launched on Monday. The JRP is developed yearly and is an annual fundraising document and articulates the shared vision of how the humanitarian community will respond to the assessed and expressed needs of Rohingya refugees and affected host communities. Rohingyas are victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness: Prof Yunus Through the 1st year of the 2025-26 JRP, the UN and its partners are calling on the international community to extend financial support to address the prioritized needs of Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities that are hosting them as the refugee crisis enters its seventh year. The 2025 JRP brings together 113 partners including UN Agencies, Bangladeshi and international NGOs. Nearly half of them are national organizations from Bangladesh. The 2025 JRP is focusing on five key objectives: Work towards the early, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees/FDMNs to Myanmar, strengthening   the protection and resilience of Rohingya refugee/FDMN women, men, girls, and boys, delivering life-saving assistance to populations in, fostering the well-being of host communities and straightening disaster risk management and combat the effects of climate change. New report to expose international crimes in Rohingya camps: Fortify Rights

The Australian Visa Center is set to open in Dhaka by the end of March, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry, Nasimul Ghani said on Monday. This move will make the visa application process more accessible for Bangladeshi citizens, who previously had to apply through the Australian Visa Center in New Delhi. UNICEF welcomes Bangladesh’s decision  to establish separate children’s courts  The announcement came after the signing ceremony of the 'Standard Operating Procedure for the Return of Bangladeshi Citizens to Bangladesh' between the governments of Bangladesh and Australia. He said that the visa center would begin operations in Dhaka soon and visa issuance could commence shortly after Eid. Australia to issue visas for Bangladeshis from Dhaka Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest.  

UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide, on Monday welcomed the government of Bangladesh’s recent decision to establish separate Children’s Courts, marking a significant step toward ensuring a child-friendly justice system that upholds the rights and well-being of children.  This landmark decision reinforces Bangladesh’s commitment to implementing the Children Act, 2013, aligning national legal frameworks with international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), UNICEF said. As Bangladesh advances this critical reform, UNICEF urged continued investment in a justice system focused on diversion, restorative justice, and rehabilitation over punitive measures.  Strengthening child protection mechanisms, expanding legal aid services, and integrating mental health and psychosocial support will be essential in ensuring the success of these courts, said the UN agency. Ensure immediate action, accountability for violence against children: UNICEF to interim govt “In too many cases, children who desperately need to be supported by the social welfare system fall into the criminal justice system. Having child friendly systems is a step toward ensuring that rehabilitation is given every opportunity to work – putting the focus on a system that is designed to rehabilitate, not punish,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh.  “This initiative is a response to the brave call from young people during Summer 2024 for justice and a fairer system and will help break cycles of vulnerability and create a more just and inclusive society for young people," she added.  Flowers said UNICEF will continue to support the government to ensure that children and young people are not arbitrarily detained or separated from family, ensuring due process in a system that recognizes their age, ensures specifically trained personnel are working with them and where rehabilitation is the goal. The establishment of Separate Children’s Courts is vital for treating children in conflict with the law with dignity, UNICEF said.  These courts will offer specialized legal and social services, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and ensure proceedings in child-sensitive environment with trained judges and legal professionals. The decision comes at a crucial time, after the civil unrest in Bangladesh in 2024, where young people demanded justice, accountability, and better opportunities.  Their advocacy highlighted the need for reforms to protect children and adolescents from violence, exploitation, and wrongful detention. UNICEF urges safer, fairer future for Bangladesh’s youth; calls for ending criminalization of children Regretfully, during that time, and according to the OHCHR report from last February, children were subjected to arbitrary arrest and often detained in police stations, at Detective Branch headquarters and in prisons, together with adults, UNICEF said.  They were also subjected to other violations there, including torture, ill-treatment and coercion to induce confessions. The youth movement showed the strength and leadership of Bangladesh’s youth, pushing for policies that recognize children’s rights and potential, UNICEF said. This reform is a direct response to their demands ensuring that justice is accessible, fair, and rehabilitative for all children, and to avoid atrocities such as those reported in the OHCHR report against children happen again, said the UN agency. UNICEF is "committed to working with the government, judiciary, civil society, and young people" to help implement this reform.  This includes providing support in setting up courts, training justice professionals, and strengthening social service systems to protect and care for children.

UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide, has said the interim government and law enforcement agencies should ensure immediate action and accountability for all reported cases of violence against children through strengthened investigation, prosecution, and judicial processes. Establishing a specialised child protection unit within law enforcement, trained in trauma-informed investigations and victim-sensitive approaches, is fundamental, said UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers. Severe malnutrition among Rohingya children surge by 27%: Unicef Besides, she said, expanding and professionalising the social service workforce would provide gender-sensitive, child-centered support for survivors and their families. To secure justice for victims and survivors, independent and gender-sensitive prosecutors must be appointed to ensure timely prosecution and hold legal actors accountable for meeting the government’s 90-day case resolution target, she mentioned. The UNICEF Representative said she is "profoundly horrified" by the alarming rise in reported cases of sexual violence against children, especially girls, in Bangladesh over the last weeks. "I am especially concerned with the recent surge in horrific cases of child rape and sexual violence, including in places meant to protect and nurture children like educational institutions," Flowers said in a statement on recent cases of violence against children on Sunday. She said their hearts are especially heavy with the tragic death of the eight-year-old child from Magura a few days ago. Her death serves as a "devastating reminder" of how children, especially girls, are being subjected to grave violations of their fundamental rights and safety. Japan, Unicef sign $ 3.3mn deal to strengthen assistance for Rohingya children Sadly, Flowers said, this young girl´s death is merely one of many horrifying acts against children. According to UNICEF's monitoring, a distressing number of children have reportedly fallen victims of rape and murder in recent months. From January 2025 to March 16, media and local human rights organisations recorded approximately 50 cases of child rape. The trend seems to be getting even more worrisome - only on Monday 10 March, there were 7 children killed and 6 confirmed cases of violence. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent shattered lives, profound trauma for survivors, and unimaginable grief for families and communities, Flowers said. These incidents have sparked deep concern across the nation, raising urgent questions about the safety and protection of children and adolescents, especially in the hands of people they trust at home and in schools. According to UNICEF estimates, 1 in 8 girls and women alive today globally experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, and studies in Bangladesh confirm that perpetrators are often known to their victims. In response to this crisis, the UNICEF welcomed the order issued by the government to bring the perpetrators to justice immediately, while insisting on calling rape, such a heinous crime, by its rightful name. UNICEF acknowledged the interim government’s commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy against violence against women and girls. "We also commend the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for its efforts in removing harmful content from online platforms," Flowers said. However, while these measures are crucial, they must be part of a broader, sustained effort to address the root causes of violence against children, she said. To create a society where every child can grow up free from fear and violence, Flowers said, the interim government and all stakeholders need to take immediate and decisive actions to strengthen and invest in child protection systems. The media also plays a crucial role in generating a safer society for children. Authorities should enforce ethical media and child safeguarding policies to protect children’s dignity and well-being during investigations and legal proceedings. Concurrently, Flowers said, media outlets should commit to responsible reporting by safeguarding the identity, privacy, and dignity of child survivors and victims, avoiding sensationalism, and preventing further harm to victims, families and communities. And very important, she said, they need the good men of Bangladesh to stand against all forms of violence and every parent to ensure that boys and girls are raised to respect the other, not to have some false sense of entitlement to abuse. The lack of safety and security for children contributes to the persistence of child marriage and other forms of violence. "Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and protective environment, both at home and in public spaces. Child survivors must be shielded from further trauma, especially during investigations and legal proceedings," Flowers said. Survivors deserve dignity, healing and justice, she said, adding that it is essential to respect their right to privacy—by authorities, media, law enforcement, the judiciary, and the public— to support their recovery. For child victims, Flowers said, justice must be swift and uncompromising, ensuring accountability for those responsible. UNICEF urges safer, fairer future for Bangladesh’s youth; calls for ending criminalization of children "At UNICEF, we remain steadfast in our commitment to child rights and protection and stand ready to support the interim government in strengthening child protection systems and ensuring a safer Bangladesh for all children," Flowers said.

India has not responded yet on Dhaka's request, seeking a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand early next month. "No, there has been no response," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday when a journalist asked whether there was any response from Delhi regarding the possible meeting of the two leaders. On Wednesday, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. On March 21, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral meeting between the two leaders. “On the meeting that you asked, a bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Summit. The MEA Spokesperson also said Bangladesh-India relationship is a wide canvas and they have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues - development cooperation, economic matters and on issues of connectivity. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements Dr Yunus is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, to be held on April 2-4 in Bangkok. Thailand will host the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of Bimstec there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explained, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh.

A delegation of Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA) on Sunday met newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka. BIA founder Prof Dr AKM Moazzem Hussain led the delegation. Life patron and honorary CEO of BIA Masud Karim explained BIA’s mission, vision and its activities in Bangladesh since 1974. He said Japan is a friendly country of Bangladesh, and the two countries have long trusted diplomatic relations and the Bangladesh Ikebana Association celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relation between Japan and Bangladesh in 2022. “Along with Ikebana, we will continue to work to deepen the cultural relations between these two countries in the future,” he added. An 8-member delegation from BIA Japan Lovers will visit Japan from May 15 to 26, 2025, led by Honorary CEO Masud Karim. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements During their visit, BIA members will organise an Ikebana workshop, demonstration in Tokyo on May 18, in collaboration with NPO Takashimadaira ACT, with the generous support of Bangladesh lover Yoshinari Katsuo and his team. The delegation will also have the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Itabashi City and strengthen ties between Bangladesh and Japan. Besides, the team will visit key historical and cultural sites, including Hiroshima, Nara and Kyoto, to deepen their understanding of Japan's rich heritage. This visit aims to enhance cultural exchange, business collaboration and friendship between the two nations. BIA President Nasrin Mehdi Chowdhury said they always seek cooperation from the Ambassador in all their Ikebana activities in Bangladesh. The ambassador said that the Embassy of Japan will always cooperate with the BIA and its activities as much as possible.