United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has welcomed the ongoing UN and multilateral initiatives, including the Secretary-General’s call for a Global Digital Compact, the recent launch of the global dialogue on AI Governance, and the establishment of an independent international scientific panel. "We believe these are crucial not just for peace and security. They will ensure that the fruits of AI are inclusive of all, and that the threats of AI do not harm the most vulnerable of all," said Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi. He said Bangladesh is ready to contribute to these initiatives. The special envoy, who is accompanying Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the 80th UNGA, made the remarks while speaking at the Security Council high-level open debate on “Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security” held at the Security Council Chamber, UN Headquarters on Wednesday. The enormous benefits of AI are self-evident, said Lutfey, adding that AI can be a powerful enabler for conflict prevention, peacekeeping, post-conflict recovery, early-warning systems, and more accurate humanitarian response because of its data-driven insights. At the same time, he said, the potential perils of AI are pernicious and they need appropriate policy responses, both at national and international levels, to safeguard against those perils. "Unaccountable autonomous weapons, disinformation campaigns, deep-fake videos and algorithmic bias – AI can be exploited to jeopardise the fabric of peace and security - national or international - eroding trust, creating instability and undermining democratic processes," said the special envoy. Key issues that Prof Yunus may raise in UNGA speech Friday With the exception of city states, he said, Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world, with a large cohort of young people. "Heavy density means that online disinformation can spread very quickly with serious offline consequences in the physical world," Lutfey said. Especially when that disinformation is conducted from outside our borders, the policy challenges are great, unless we work together internationally across borders, he mentioned. The United Nations has the opportunity to ensure that all member states play a constructive role in combatting motivated disinformation efforts from across borders, Lutfey said. The UN may also play a catalytic role in ensuring greater cooperation between global platform or technology companies and governments, he said. Lutfey said member states may also collaborate to share experiences in educating their populations against AI-doctored misinformation. More generally, he said, they stress the importance of the central role of humans to ensure responsibility and accountability and urge states to comply with international law. For peacekeeping and peacebuilding, Lutfey said, Security Council should encourage transparency, accountability, and human oversight in AI use.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to deliver his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday night (Bangladesh time), outlining Bangladesh’s positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the crucial February election. The chief adviser will address at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly between 9pm to 1am (Bangladesh time), Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. His address will be broacast live on BTV, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. The chief adviser's turn is expected to come at around 11:30am (NY time Friday), a senior official told UNB. Prof Yunus will convey Bangladesh’s commitment to holding a 'free, fair, peaceful and credible' election in the first half of February next during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh. People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The global attention is turning to the iconic green marble podium in the General Assembly Hall, where presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs are delivering national statements, setting out visions for peace, development, human rights and collective action amid mounting global challenges. Under the theme Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights, this milestone session is taking place amid rising global challenges and urgent calls for renewed multilateral action. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Prof Yunus, in his speech, is expected to highlight the activities of the last year and the interim government’s commitment to true democracy through reforms and elections scheduled for February next year. He is expected to address a wide range of pressing global issues, including peacekeeping, climate change and climate justice, the Sustainable Development Goals, illicit financial flows, safe migration and migrant rights, sustainable technology transfer in the age of artificial intelligence, as well as a call for ceasefire and permanent peace in Palestine. Prof Yunus seeks Dutch cooperation in water management, ocean research Prof Yunus began the UNGA tour on September 22. The foreign adviser said this year’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) holds special significance for Bangladesh. On September 30, the UN will, for the first time, host a high-level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar. The decision stems from a proposal made last year by Prof Yunus, which received unanimous support from UN member states. In preparation for the conference, Bangladesh organised the first-ever “Partners’ Dialogue” in Cox’s Bazar last month, bringing together international partners and Rohingya representatives. “This unprecedented high-level meeting, combined with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh earlier this year, demonstrates that despite multiple global crises, the Rohingya issue remains firmly on the international agenda,” Foreign Adviser Hossain said. “This UNGA session offers Bangladesh a vital opportunity to present its reform process, democratic transition, and national priorities to the international community,” Hossain said. In his speech, the chief adviser is expected to focus on three key areas—reform, justice, and elections—highlighting initiatives taken over the past 14 months and the challenges faced in advancing the democratic process. “Prof Yunus also has some personal messages for global leaders, which he will share, addressing broader geopolitical and global issues,” the press secretary said. The Rohingya crisis will also feature prominently in his address, as he seeks stronger global support for a sustainable solution.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sought Dutch cooperation in water management, ocean research and in its efforts to keep Bangladesh's rivers navigable. He emphasised the Netherlands' leadership in flood and river management and maritime technology.  Prof Yunus also sought Dutch support for establishing cold storage facilities in Bangladeshi villages to help preserve perishable agricultural products during harvest seasons. Prof Yunus made the formal request during a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam were present.  Highlighting Bangladesh’s emergence as a major producer of fruits and vegetables, Prof Yunus said that millions of small farmers often suffer losses due to steep price drops during harvest time, when local markets are flooded with fresh produce. The absence of short-term cold storage facilities in rural areas leaves farmers unable to preserve their harvests, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. “The Netherlands is a world leader in agriculture. We need Dutch technology to preserve our produce,” said Prof Yunus. “You could also consider sending researchers and scientists to work directly with our farmers.” He noted that hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fruits and vegetables rot each year in Bangladesh, primarily because of the lack of storage facilities. “This causes significant financial losses to our farmers,” he added. Prof Yunus said there is a growing international interest in Bangladeshi fruits such as mangoes, jackfruits and guavas. However, scaling up exports will require access to advanced preservation technologies and logistics. In response, Prime Minister Schoof said he would look into the issues raised and expressed interest in exploring collaboration in the textile sector as well. The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, reforms initiated by the Interim Government, the rising threat of misinformation and regional economic integration. Prof Yunus sought international support to counter misinformation campaigns ahead of the general election scheduled for February. “We need your support. We need international support to fight this menace of misinformation,” he said. “There were no real elections during the 15 years of autocratic rule — only fake votes. Now, the cronies of the former dictators are funding anti-Bangladesh misinformation campaigns aimed at derailing the upcoming election,” he added. Prof Yunus cautions against leaving healthcare to profit-driven actors The Chief Adviser reiterated his government's commitment to holding a free, fair, and peaceful election in the first half of February.  He mentioned that six political leaders are accompanying him in New York to help establish global connections ahead of the country's democratic transition. “Millions of young Bangladeshis are excited to vote. Many of them have never had the opportunity to cast their ballots,” he said. Prime Minister Schoof echoed concerns about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence and its potential to spread misinformation, warning that it poses a serious threat to democracies worldwide. "We can work together,” he said.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New York to enhance cooperation in agricultural research, extension services, nutrition, and policy development. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, secretary general of SAARC, as the guest of honour, and Dr. Johan Swinnen, director general of IFPRI, as the special guest. The signing ceremony held on Wednesday. Md. Harunur Rashid, director of SAC, Dhaka; Dr. Shahidur Rashid, director of IFPRI South Asia Office, New Delhi;  Purnima Menon, senior director of IFPRI, Washington; and  Teunis Van Rheenen, director of Business Development and External Relations at IFPRI, Washington, were also present. Ambassador Sarwar said the MoU would strengthen collaborative efforts and play a vital role in advancing technology development and its effective dissemination in agriculture and allied fields across the region. Relations with Pakistan, other SAARC nations among top priorities: Prof Yunus tells Ishaq Dar Johan Swinnen stated that the cooperation would be enhanced in areas of knowledge generation and management, agricultural trade, policy innovation, and capacity building. The ceremony concluded with commitments aimed at building a food-secure, resilient, and prosperous South Asia.

Seeking stronger global cooperation, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday called for giving the young people their rightful stake, safe space and role in decision-making, stressing that no nation can ensure youth empowerment alone. "The bottom line is simple. We do not need to carry the future alone. We only need to give young people their rightful stake, safe space, and role in decision-making," he said, adding that the young people will choose wisely—for themselves, for the planet, and for collective future. Prof Yunus made the remarks while delivering his speech at the high-level meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Program of Action for Youth at the UN Headquarters on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday. The President of the General Assembly convened the high-level event that brought together UN Member States, young people, civil society, UN entities and other stakeholders. They took stock of what has been achieved over the last 30 years, shared good practices and innovations for advancing the implementation of WPAY, identified current challenges and actionable solutions, charted the way forward through intergenerational collaboration. The Chief Adviser said without global cooperation to dismantle barriers, ensure equity and foster intergenerational leadership, frustration may erupt into unrest that spreads quickly across their interconnected world, as glimpses of such events have already begun to appear. At eighty-five, the Chief Adviser said, he feels the depth of today’s theme, “Accelerating global progress through intergenerational collaboration.” Last year in Bangladesh, he said, witnessed the extraordinary power of youth. "They rose with courage to end years of autocracy, reset our nation’s course, and entrusted me with the responsibility of steering reforms and democratic transition," Prof Yunus mentioned. Around the world, he said, young people are recognized as agents of change. "Yet they are also the first to suffer from persisting inequalities, conflicts, climate change, protectionism, and the digital divide." Above all, the Chief Adviser said, unemployment remains the gravest challenge. Prof Yunus cautions against leaving healthcare to profit-driven actors Youth unemployment is up to four times higher than adult unemployment, particularly in low-income countries. But, lasting global progress cannot be achieved without youth inclusion," he said. Technology offers enormous promise for inclusion through innovation, Prof Yunus observed. "But its benefits must not be placed behind walls of greed." "That is why in Bangladesh we have launched a National Youth Entrepreneur Policy to provide finance, skills, and market access, enabling young people to be job creators rather than job seekers," said the Chief Adviser. He said they have also ensured youth participation in their independent reform commissions and introduced a National Policy Competition, to embed the voices of youth into the country’s democratic renewal.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli stated that Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry is progressing on a path of sustainable development. He noted that the sector has made significant progress in improving the working environment, ensuring workers' health protection, and enhancing compliance standards, and advised the industry to maintain this momentum. The ambassador made the remarks on Thursday while visiting the ‘4A Yarn Dyeing’ factory, a garment unit of Team Group, located in Bypail, Savar. He toured various departments of the factory and discussed working conditions and benefits with the employees and management. Ambassador Renggli told journalists that he was "impressed" with the factory's work environment. He stated that he had not seen a factory with such an excellent structure in any other country, calling it a great example of the sustainable development of Bangladesh's garment sector. The ambassador highlighted that workers are operating in a healthy, green environment and that the authorities are highly responsible for their medical and other facilities. He explained that he chose to visit the factory because Switzerland imports garments produced there. He declined to answer any other questions from the press. Abdullah Hil Nakib, deputy managing director of ‘4A Yarn Dying’, told reporters that the purpose of the visit was to dispel the negative propaganda and image crisis surrounding Bangladesh's garment sector abroad. He said the ambassador was very pleased with the working conditions, worker benefits, and product quality, and even asked for permission to share his experience on social media. Nakib believes this promotion will have a positive impact on the country's brand image. The ambassador also assured them he would try to provide a true picture of the Bangladesh RMG industry in his country. 4A Yarn Dyeing is a US Green Building Council (USGBC) certified platinum factory under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programme. It produces high-value jackets, with each jacket selling for around $100 FOB (Free On Board) and reaching consumers in Europe and America for $700 to $800. The factory produces and supplies garments for at least 20 top global brands.

China-Dhaka Day was celebrated in the capital on Thursday with a series of events, including a discussion and cultural programme at North South University (NSU), highlighting the growing ties between the two countries. The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and NSU jointly organised the celebration on Thursday, featuring exhibitions, cultural performances, seminars, and film screenings, showcasing the achievements of China-Bangladesh cooperation and the richness of Chinese culture. Fisheries and Livestock Affairs Adviser Farida Akhter, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, NSU Vice Chancellor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and NSU Board of Trustees member Benazir Ahmed spoke at the discussion session. Adviser Farida lauded China’s achievements in poverty alleviation, saying Bangladesh could draw important lessons from the experience. “China is advancing day by day. Especially in poverty alleviation, they have been very successful. Millions of people in the country have come out of poverty. Bangladesh should follow China’s example,” she said. She noted that during the chief adviser’s recent visit to China, eight agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, adding, “We hope that the relationship between the two countries will grow even stronger in the coming days.” Ambassador Yao Wen recalled that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. “The bond between our two nations is becoming deeper day by day. Cooperation in education and culture is increasing. In the future, we want to move forward together on the path of peace and prosperity,” he said, expressing hope that bilateral ties will reach new heights. The NSU vice chancellor highlighted the role of the university’s Confucius Institute in promoting language and cultural exchanges. “In 2006, North South University established the first Confucius Institute in South Asia. Since then, 20,000 students have learned the Chinese language here. However, it’s not just limited to language instruction—research and cultural exchanges are also taking place,” he said. He added that NSU has been observing China-Dhaka Day annually and was pleased to host this year’s celebration as well. The day featured two technical sessions on education and culture. The first session was moderated by Dr. S.M. Rezwan Ul Alam, associate professor, Department of Political Science and Sociology (PSS) at NSU, who highlighted the importance of media literacy and cultural exchange in overcoming misconceptions. The second session, moderated by Prof. Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Director of SIPG at NSU, focused on the growing importance of Mandarin in Bangladesh due to expanding trade with China.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has cautioned against leaving healthcare in the hands of profit-driven actors, emphasising that in healthcare, profit maximisation often becomes the priority. "In the case of healthcare, it may be money making, very simply. Profit maximisation is behind that. So, healthcare gets derailed because of the money making approach,” he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks while speaking at the UNGA high-level working session on ‘Transforming Primary Healthcare – Bangladesh's Blueprint’ in New York on Wednesday. Bangladesh facing problem with India as they "did not like" what students have done: Prof Yunus While there are vast opportunities to generate profit in the name of healthcare, this approach poses risks, he said, adding, “We raised a fundamental issue – medicine and healthcare should not be left to profit-seekers alone. I am not saying they are bad people, but healthcare must not be driven solely by them.” Highlighting vaccine inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yunus pointed out that the distribution was ‘deeply flawed’, with 10 countries receiving around 80 percent of global vaccine supplies. Trial of Hasina, her cronies a top priority: Prof Yunus tells Finnish President   He advocated for the social business model in healthcare, emphasising their potential to address social problems worldwide. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, NCP leader Dr Tasnim Jara, and BRAC Executive Director Dr. Asif Saleh also attended the event. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, BRAC Executive Director Dr Asif Saleh and NCP leader Dr Tasnim Jara also attended the event. Prof Yunus introduces political leaders with top US companies  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has highlighted the importance of regional economic cooperation but cited current tensions with India over actions taken by Bangladeshi students. "In the process, all of us benefit (regional economy) from that. So I said, we think about the regional economy. This is what we should be doing. We have problems with India right now because they didn't like what the students have done," he said during a conversation in New York. Asia Society and the Asia Society Policy Institute hosted the Chief Adviser for an address on Wednesday. It was moderated by Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asia Society. Prof Yunus introduced National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhter Hossen and first senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara to the audience. Prof Yunus said they (India) are hosting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Hasina who created all these problems and killed the young people. "And that creates a lot of tension between India and Bangladesh. Also lots of fake news is coming from the other side. This is a very bad thing," Prof Yunus said. Prof Yunus flagged the fake news of the Islamist movement saying these are the Talibans and they have been trained. "They even said, I'm a Taliban too. I don't have a beard. I just left it home," he quipped. Talking about the regional economy, Prof Yunus said, "You have to go through Bangladesh. You can invest in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is going to invest in your territory. That's the whole idea of the SAARC." On SAARC, Prof Yunus said SAARC is a family of very close family members. He said the whole idea of SAARC was born in Bangladesh and Bangladesh is the one who promoted this idea, capital by capital in all the South Asian countries. Prof Yunus said they wanted to bring this together so that young people can get in touch with each other, all regions, not just one country, all the countries in South Asia. He said it is important that they can visit each other, make friendship with each other, study in universities, colleges, wherever they are, and do business in each other's countries. Prof Yunus said, "That was the whole idea. Our history gives us the opportunity to make that happen, but somehow it didn't fit into the politics of some one country, so we have to stop that. We feel very sorry for that. We want to make sure that we open it up and bring people together. That is the only way to solve our issues. " "Look, Bangladesh economy is defined by the boundaries of Bangladesh. But while we remain ourselves within the boundaries of Bangladesh, this is a very narrow way of looking at yourself," Prof Yunus  said.  "I said why don't you look at the neighbors, like Nepal, Bhutan, and also the seven states of India. In the eastern part of Bangladesh, there are seven states that don't have any access to the ocean. These are landlocked regions," he said. The current Chair of ASEAN is Malaysia and it is not easy to get everybody's yes right away, particularly Myanmar, which has a problem with the Rohingyas, Prof Yunus said. "So they may not come forward, but we'll work on it. We don't see this will begin permanent trouble between Myanmar and Bangladesh. We don't have to have that. So we have to resolve all these issues," he said, adding that the Rohingyas could go back to Myanmar, to their homes, businesses and their professions. Prof Yunus said they will have a good relationship with Myanmar. "Having this kind of conflict with each other doesn't help anybody. So, we have to resolve that." He said Bangladesh can become an informal member of ASEAN and there is a provision there. "We can do that. ASEAN would be a good place to go and you can build it up with regional harmony and regional interconnectivity," he said. In a separate meeting, the Chief Adviser said trials of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cronies are a top priority of his government. During a meeting with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, on the sidelines of the UNGA on Wednesday (New York time), Prof Yunus stressed that the trials were being conducted in accordance with international legal standards. “Despite facing trial, she continues to make incendiary and destabilising remarks,” Prof Yunus said, adding that the interim government has sought her extradition to face justice. The President of Finland met with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Wednesday. Hilsa export to India begins; 1,200mt approved for Durga Puja During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh, United Nations reform, the Rohingya crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN, the trials of Sheikh Hasina and her associates, and the country's efforts to access hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan. High Commissioner Verma hosts reception for BD women cricketers giving ‘taste of India’ Prof Yunus expressed gratitude to the international community for its continued support of the interim government since it assumed office in August last year. “International support for our government over the past 14 months has been overwhelming,” he said. High Commissioner Verma hosts reception for BD women cricketers giving ‘taste of India’ He reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to holding free, fair, and credible elections in February, allowing the country’s 126 million voters to cast their ballots peacefully and in a festive atmosphere. Bangladesh delegation participates in BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit in India “Our people have been deprived of a free and fair election for the past 15 years. Now, they are eagerly looking forward to February,” the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus told President Stubb that major political and institutional reforms were underway in Bangladesh. India expelling Rohingyas to Bangladesh, Myanmar without protections: HRW He noted that political parties are expected to sign the July Charter, a framework for deeper political reform.

President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani has proposed the signing of several trade and economic agreements with Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. During a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, she specifically recommended a bilateral agreement in the textile sector, citing significant potential for collaboration and mutual benefit. The President met the Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. The meeting, held at a New York hotel, covered a range of issues of mutual interest, including migration, trade, commerce and people-to-people exchanges, said Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. President Osmani expressed her gratitude to Bangladesh for its early and continued support for Kosovo, noting that Bangladesh was among the first countries to recognize the Southeast European nation. She highlighted Kosovo's recent economic progress, stating that the country has recorded the highest GDP growth in the region for the second consecutive year. Trial of Hasina, her cronies a top priority: Prof Yunus tells Finnish President   Kosovo, she said, has successfully rebuilt its economy in the aftermath of a genocidal war and now ranks among the safest countries in Europe in terms of security and the rule of law.