United News of Bangladesh

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. "We are working very closely with Bangladesh...we are still discussing," he said when a journalist approached him after his meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said this is something between Bangladesh and China as the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. About the announcement, he said, "Wait and see. We are still working on it." Talking to reporters very briefly, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said no agreement will be signed during the visit, but a few MoUs are likely to be signed. Dr Yunus invites global investors to explore "extraordinary opportunities" in Bangladesh 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. “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. Ambassador Yao called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss the upcoming visit to China. Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: Ambassador Yao Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Alam said the Boao Forum for Asia is called Davos of the East where top leaders of Asia and different countries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of giant global firms participate. On the sidelines of the forum, he said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies. Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first-ever bilateral meeting on March 28. 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.    

A delegation led by Ambassador of Palestine Yousef SY Ramadan paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman at the Army Headquarters on Sunday. In addition to exchange of mutual greetings, the Army chief expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the ongoing violence and killings in Gaza and conveyed his hope for a prompt resolution to the prevailing crisis in Palestine. Bangladesh, Mexico see excellent opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation The Ambassador expressed his sincere gratitude to Bangladesh for providing training opportunities to Palestinian cadets and military officers at Bangladesh Military Academy and other military training institutions.    

The government of India has withdrawn 20% duty on onion export, effective from April 1, 2025. A notification to this effect was issued on Saturday by the Department of Revenue on the communication of Department of Consumer Affairs, India. To ensure domestic availability, the government had taken measures to check export by means of duty, minimum export price (MEP) and even to the extent of export prohibition for almost five months, from 8th December, 2023 till 3rd May, 2024. The export duty of 20% which now stands removed has been in place from 13th September, 2024, according to the Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Despite export restriction, the total onion export during FY 2023-24 was 17.17 LMT and FY 2024-25 (till 18th March) was 11.65 LMT. Monthly onion export quantity had picked up from 0.72 LMT in September, 2024 to 1.85 LMT in January, 2025. The decision stands as another testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring remunerative prices to farmers while maintaining affordability of onion to the consumers at this crucial juncture when both mandi and retail prices have soften following expected arrival of rabi crops in good quantities, said the Ministry. Onion farmers in Shailkupa hit by fertiliser shortage during peak season Even though, the current mandi prices are above the level during corresponding period of previous years, a decline of 39% is observed in the all-India weighted average modal prices. Similarly, all-India average retail prices recorded declined of 10% over the past one month. Onion arrival in benchmark markets Lasalgoan and Pimpalgaon have increased from this month which drive prices downward. The modal prices in Lasalgaon and Pimpalgoan on 21st March, 2025 were Rs.1330/qtl and Rs.1325/qtl, respectively. As per the estimates of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, rabi production this year at 227 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) is over 18% higher than 192 LMT last year. The rabi onion which accounted for 70-75% of India’s total onion production is crucial for overall availability and stability in prices till the arrival of kharif crop from October/November onward. The estimated higher production this season is expected to further ease the market prices in coming months. The emerging production and prices scenario came as welcome breather for the country which had to grapple with the twin issues of lower domestic production and high international prices from August, 2023.

Bangladesh and Mexico have acknowledged that 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a milestone that presents an excellent opportunity to further enhance bilateral cooperation. María Teresa Mercado Pérez, Undersecretary (Deputy Minister) of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, said this when Bangladesh’s Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey met at the Mexican Foreign Ministry. Ambassador Mushfique proposed leveraging this occasion to organise joint initiatives and celebrations that reflect the growing friendship between the two nations, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico on Saturday. Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico observes International Mother Language Day The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation between Bangladesh and Mexico. María Teresa warmly congratulated Ambassador Mushfique on the successful presentation of his credentials earlier this week and reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Bangladesh. Both dignitaries During the meeting, both sides discussed holding the 3rd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Mexico in late August or early September this year. The consultation aims to deepen engagement across various sectors and advance key diplomatic and economic collaborations. Ambassador Mushfique emphasised the need for finalising pending Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in critical areas such as agriculture, defense, visa waivers, football and the avoidance of double taxation. He also highlighted the increasing economic and diplomatic exchanges between Bangladesh and Mexico and underscored the urgency of opening a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka to further facilitate bilateral cooperation. Mexico awaits new response from Google on dispute over Gulf of Mexico name before filing lawsuit María Teresa Mercado Pérez assured Ambassador Mushfique of Mexico’s full cooperation in advancing these initiatives and reiterated her country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh-Mexico relations and their shared vision for deepening engagement in the years to come.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will join as a keynote speaker at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum, a forum that will inspire young entrepreneurs. Young business leaders are invited to exchange ideas and explore their abilities in business areas at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum, which will be held on April 3 at ICONSIAM. The forum is part of Thailand’s hosting of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit and related meetings between April 2 and 4. Dr Yunus invites global investors to explore "extraordinary opportunities" in Bangladesh Dr Yunus is the key person in pushing activities for young people in BIMSTEC member countries, as a stage for their cooperation and for enhancing their talent, said the organisers of the event. Dr Yunus is internationally recognised as an economist for his outstanding achievements. He pioneered the concept of microcredit to empower the poor, so that they could become entrepreneurs. Dr Yunus also established the Grameen Bank in 1983. His objective was to help poor people in Bangladesh escape from poverty. In 2006, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank. Dr Yunus is scheduled to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, to be held on April 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. No update yet on Dr Yunus-Modi possible talks at Bimstec: MEA  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.  

Ahead of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has invited Bangladesh's friends, partners and global leaders to explore the extraordinary investment opportunities that Bangladesh has to offer. "There has never been a better moment to explore the extraordinary investment opportunities in Bangladesh," he said, as the government is set to host the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 next month. Dr Yunus said Bangladesh has undergone profound transformations with forward-thinking investment climate. "We are committed to ensuring a level playing field for all our investors," said the Chief Adviser in a message to global investors. Dr Yunus said the Summit is a gateway for investors to have more data driven insights. "Come and witness the potential that Bangladesh holds for you. And join us in shaping the future of investment in one of the world's most dynamic economies." Rohingyas are victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness: Prof Yunus The Chief Adviser said he is looking forward to welcoming the global partners and investors in new Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, hosted by the government of Bangladesh, showcases a new investment climate in Bangladesh - set for transformative investments and unmatched growth. Global leaders, Fortune 500 executives, and industry pioneers will engage in discussion as Bangladesh redefines the future of investment in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun will hold a press briefing on Sunday, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Friday. Organized by BIDA, the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 — set to take place in Dhaka from April 7-10, introduces the Excellence in Investment Award, a hallmark initiative celebrating investors shaping Bangladesh’s economic future, officials said. This honor recognizes enterprises for their transformative contributions in areas such as investment scale, environmental stewardship, regulatory adherence, and employment generation.

Speakers at a discussion on Friday said that the Palestinian crisis is not only a struggle for the Palestinian people but a crisis for the entire Islamic world. During the discussion titled ‘Liberation of Al Quds and Palestine: The Inevitability of Continuous Resistance,’ the speakers condemned Israel for violating the ceasefire, asserting that this action has led to a renewed wave of violence, resulting in the worst genocide across Palestine, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. The speakers condemned the ongoing injustice and massacre taking place in Baitul Muqaddas, the first Qibla, and referred to the situation as a grave violation of sacred lands. The discussion was organised by the Al-Quds Committee Bangladesh in observance of International Al-Quds Day, and held at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium at Dhaka University. Professor Dr. Naqib Muhammad Nasrullah, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University, was present as the chief guest while Iranian ambassador to Bangladesh Mansour Chavoshi and Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan attended the discussion as special guests. Other notable discussants included Sayyed Reza Mirmohammadi, Cultural Counselor of the Iran Cultural Center in Dhaka, AKM Badruddoja, a Supreme Court lawyer of Bangladesh, and Islamic scholar Dr. AKM Anwarul Kabir. Senior journalist and founder of ChangeTV.Press, Amirul Muminin Manik, presented the keynote address. Chaired by Shah Kawthar Mustafa Abululayee, president of the Al-Quds Committee Bangladesh and chairman of Dhaka University’s Philosophy Department, Mustafa Tariqul Hasan, General Secretary of the Al-Quds Committee Bangladesh, delivered the welcome address. The speakers said that Baitul Muqaddas, a land of immense historical and religious significance, is deeply intertwined with the memories of many prophets and is referred to in the Holy Quran as the ‘holy land.’ As such, the love for Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Holy Land, and Palestine is deeply ingrained in the hearts of every believer. They also reiterated that the Palestinian crisis is a shared challenge for the entire Muslim world. They called for unity among Muslims worldwide to address this crisis, stating that the oppression faced by the Palestinian people will not last forever. Despite numerous hardships, the resistance fighters continue their struggle against the illegal occupation of Zionist Israel, and they firmly believe that the holy land of Palestine will one day be free.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral 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. “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. He made the remarks at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Bimstec Summit. Responding to a separate question, the MEA Spokesperson 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. Earlier, 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. Dr Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit, to be held on April 4 in Bangkok, raising hope for a first-ever in person meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines. Rohingyas are victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness: Prof Yunus 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. Dr Yunus is scheduled to leave Dhaka on March 26 for China and both the countries are looking forward to a bilateral meeting on March 28 in Beijing between the two leaders – Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called for global action against racial injustice and highlighted the plight of the Rohingya people, who remain victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness. Since 2017, Bangladesh has sheltered over a million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, but their repatriation to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution to this protracted crisis, he said in a message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. UNHCR deplores funding cuts in humanitarian sector putting millions at risk The global community must engage actively to ensure their early repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar, Dr Yunus said. On this occasion, Bangladesh reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all its forms. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Dhaka calls for stronger global cooperation, investment to advance gender equality "As a state party to ICERD, Bangladesh upholds non-discrimination as a core principle of governance and society," said the Chief Adviser.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has said brutal funding cuts in the humanitarian sector are putting millions of lives at risk. The consequences for people fleeing danger will be immediate and devastating, he said in a statement on Thursday. "We appeal to member States to honour their commitments to displaced people. Now is the time for solidarity, not retreat," Grandi said while highlighting the impact of global aid cuts on refugees. Refugee women and girls at extreme risk of rape and other abuse are already losing access to services that kept them safe, he said. Children are being left without teachers or schools, pushing them into child labour, trafficking, or early marriage. Funding cuts have dramatic human costs, Guterres says warning unmitigated disaster "Refugee communities will have less shelter, water and food. Most refugees stay close to home. Slashing aid will make the world less safe, driving more desperate people to become refugees or keep moving onwards," said the UN Refugee Agency chief. The UNHCR has sought innovative and efficient ways to deliver its mission, making the most of every donation for those fleeing danger. "Over 90 per cent of our staff are on the front lines, delivering for affected communities," Grandi said. Together with partners, UNHCR responded to 43 refugee emergencies last year alone. With less funding, fewer staff and a smaller UNHCR presence in countries hosting refugees, the equation is simple: lives will be lost, he said. This is not just a funding shortfall – it is a crisis of responsibility, Grandi said, adding that the cost of inaction will be measured in suffering, instability and lost futures. Embattled UN agency warns its aid operation in Gaza is 'collapsing' over a wave of funding cuts "Our commitment to people forced to flee remains unwavering. With continued support, we can identify and assist the most vulnerable, rapidly deploy when new emergencies hit, help stabilize fragile regions and facilitate the safe return home of refugees," he said.