United News of Bangladesh

Expressing displeasure over the “unfounded” media narratives on Bangladesh, Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday said the people of both Bangladesh and India deserve better than to be subjected to fear-mongering and divisive propaganda. It is imperative that media organisations adhere to ethical journalism, verify facts and refrain from spreading unverified claims that damage bilateral relations, it said. The CA’s press wing said the recent spate of unfounded stories in certain Indian media outlets, such as The Economic Times, India Today, and others, alleging coups or instability within the Bangladesh Army, are not only baseless but also deeply irresponsible. Delhi's comments tantamount to interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs: Dhaka   By peddling such narratives, these media outlets not only jeopardise journalistic integrity but also risk inflaming unnecessary tensions between two neighbouring nations, said the press wing. “We urge these outlets to retract such stories, issue clarifications, and recommit to responsible reporting. If creating rifts is the sole purpose of such propagandist outlets, both nations need to unequivocally abhor, dispel, and discredit them. Ignoring such propaganda in the plea of free speech is tolerance of radical misinformation,” it said. In a rejoinder shared with the media, the CA’s press wing said such disinformation campaigns undermine the principles of non-interference and severely diminish respect while also eroding the credibility of the media outlets involved. France reaffirms support to Bangladesh for necessary reforms Bangladesh is a stable, democratic nation with strong institutions, including its armed forces, who have consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to protecting national interests, safeguarding the people, and the constitution, it said. These sensationalist reports, which are completely devoid of factual evidence, appear to be driven by an agenda that prioritises speculation over truth, harming the spirit of regional cooperation and mutual respect, the rejoinder reads.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday with a packed schedule for Friday and Saturday, featuring a series of meetings and greater engagements in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp, before his departure on Sunday morning. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain received the UN chief after his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by an Emirates Airlines flight in the afternoon, said Chief Adviser’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Guterres will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office on Friday morning. Adviser Hossain Touhid Hossain and High Representative on Rohingya issue and priority matters Dr Khalilur Rahman will also meet the UN chief at a city hotel. After these two separate meetings, the UN chief together with the Chief Adviser will travel to Cox’s Bazar to visit the Rohingya camps. Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Protik will receive them at Cox’s Bazar International Airport at around 12pm on Friday. At a briefing at the watch tower led by UNRC, RRRC, ISCG Principal Coordinator and IOM-UNHCR Representative, a panoramic view of the camps and Myanmar border will be provided. There will be a briefing by the World Bank; demonstrating the role of IFIs on strengthening infrastructure and human capital investment among refugees. The briefing will highlight disaster mitigation and integrated approaches to service delivery. Sharing their engagements in the Rohingya camp, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said they expect 1 lakh Rohingya people will join iftar with the Chief Adviser and UN chief together. Guterres and Dr Yunus will take part in an Iftar meal with refugees and members of the Bangladeshi host community, recognising the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering nearly one million Rohingya who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar. They are expected to return to Dhaka from Cox’s Bazar around 8:40pm on Friday. On Saturday, the UN chief will visit new UN common premises and see the 50th anniversary photo exhibition. Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin are likely to remain present. Guterres will also join a meeting with the UN Country Team members and UN all staff. He is likely to attend a roundtable discussion on reforms and will have a separate dialogue with the youth on Saturday. The UN Secretary General will also have a meeting with the civil society to be moderated by Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. A joint media briefing by the UN Secretary General and Foreign Adviser Hossain is likely to take place before joining Iftar and an early dinner to be hosted by Chief Adviser Yunus. The UN Secretary General is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Sunday morning wrapping up his second visit to Bangladesh. High Representative Khalilur Rahman will see him off at the airport. Urgent Call for Action As the UN Secretary-General visits Bangladesh, ActionAid Bangladesh on Thursday underlined the urgent need to address the escalating humanitarian crisis faced by Rohingya refugees, particularly women and girls. The decision of the World Food Programme (WFP) to cut food assistance from USD 12.50 to USD 6 per person per month, effective 1 April, 2025, will have catastrophic consequences, it said. According to the WFP, this reduction, driven by severe funding shortfalls, will push over one million refugees below the survival threshold, worsening malnutrition, and health crises. ActionAid Bangladesh called for immediate action. “We urge the international community to provide urgent funding to restore full food rations and ensure gender-responsive aid that prioritizes women and girls. Long-term solutions, including sustainable repatriation and resettlement plans, must also be developed to address the root causes of the crisis.” The INGO said the Rohingya people cannot afford to be forgotten. “As the UN Secretary-General focuses global attention on this crisis, we call for swift and compassionate action to protect the lives and dignity of over one million refugees, particularly women and girls.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on March 28, as Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, officials said Thursday. In separate briefings at Foreign Service Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and MoFA Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said Dr Yunus will leave Dhaka for China on March 26 on a four-day visit. “We expect that there will be a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President,” Press Secretary Alam said, adding that the MoFA will share the details in due course of time. Delhi's comments tantamount to interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs: Dhaka   Rafiqul Alam said the bilateral meeting between the two leaders is likely to be held on March 28. He said the Chief Adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at the 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 which will be held from March 25 to 28 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. The Chief Adviser will attend the Independence Day programme before his departure from Dhaka on March 26 (afternoon). UN chief Guterres arrives Thursday with packed schedule 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. Dr Yunus will travel to Beijing from China's Hainan Province for bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 28. “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. France reaffirms support to Bangladesh for necessary reforms 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 organizations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt 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.  

Dhaka on Thursday reacted sharply to Delhi’s recent comments on elections, law and order and minority issues, stressing Bangladesh believes that these are purely its internal matters. "Such comments from India are unwarranted and tantamount to interference in the internal affairs of another country," Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing while responding to a question. He said such comments are "misleading and a false reflection of reality. Musk’s Starlink aims to expand internet access in remote India At the weekly briefing at the ministry, the spokesperson said Bangladesh firmly believes in the principle of non-interference in the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal affairs of all countries. He said Bangladesh is committed to building friendly and constructive relations with India based on mutual respect, trust and understanding. From that perspective, the spokesperson said, they hope that the relevant authorities of the Indian government will take necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of such comments. On March 7, India laid emphasis on resolving all issues in Bangladesh through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. India seeks friendly ties with Bangladesh: Rajnath Singh At a media briefing in New Delhi on March 7, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said they support a “stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive” Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding “inclusive and participatory” elections. Responding to a question, the MEA Spokesperson also expressed concerns over "deteriorating law and order situation" in Bangladesh which has been further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes. On violence against minorities, including Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said they expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence to justice without making such distinctions.  

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will arrive in Dhaka on Thursday with a packed schedule for Friday and Saturday, featuring a series of meetings and greater engagements in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp, before his departure on Sunday morning. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will receive the UN chief who is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by an Emirates flight at around 5pm, officials said quoting his tentative programme schedule. Guterres will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office on Friday morning. Adviser Hossain Touhid Hossain and High Representative on Rohingya issue and priority matters Dr Khalilur Rahman will also together meet the UN chief at a city hotel. After these two separate meetings, the UN chief together with the Chief Adviser will travel to Cox’s Bazar to visit the Rohingya camps. Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Protik will receive them at Cox’s Bazar International Airport at around 12pm on Friday. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt At a briefing at the watch tower led by UNRC, RRRC, ISCG Principal Coordinator and IOM-UNHCR Representative, a panoramic view of the camps and Myanmar border will be provided. There will be a briefing by the World Bank; demonstrating the role of IFIs on strengthening infrastructure and human capital investment among refugees. The briefing will highlight disaster mitigation and integrated approaches to service delivery. Sharing their engagements in the Rohingya camp, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said they expect 1 lakh Rohingya people will join iftar with the Chief Adviser and UN chief together. Guterres and Dr Yunus will take part in an Iftar meal with refugees and members of the Bangladeshi host community, recognising the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering nearly one million Rohingya who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar. They are expected to return to Dhaka from Cox’s Bazar around 8:40pm on Friday. UN chief Guterres meets Dr Yunus in Davos On Saturday, the UN chief will visit new UN common premises and see 50th anniversary photo exhibition. Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin are likely to remain present. Guterres will also join a meeting with the UN Country Team members and UN all staff. He is likely to attend a roundtable discussion on reforms and will have a separate dialogue with the youth on Saturday. The UN Secretary General will also have a meeting with the civil society to be moderated by Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. A joint media briefing by the UN Secretary General and Foreign Adviser Hossain is likely to take place before joining Iftar and early dinner to be hosted by Chief Adviser Yunus. Bangladesh invites UN Secretary General Guterres for 2025 visit The UN Secretary General is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Sunday morning wrapping up his second visit to Bangladesh. High Representative Khalilur Rahman will see him off at the airport.

A group of 176 Bangladeshi nationals is set to return home from Libya on Thursday, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya. The repatriation, which took place with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), includes 106 individuals who were detained at the Tajoura Detention Center in Tripoli. The remaining 70 nationals voluntarily decided to return home from unsafe situations. Among those repatriated, 12 individuals are reported to be physically ill. The group is expected to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday at approximately 3:00 am aboard Libyan Burak Air flight UZ222. Ambassador Major General Abul Hasnat Muhammad Khairul Bashar, along with other embassy officials, bid farewell to the repatriated expatriates at the embassy premises and the detained migrants at the Libyan Immigration Department's reception center. France reaffirms support to Bangladesh for necessary reforms During this time, they were provided with detailed information about the various steps and efforts made by the embassy to ensure their safe return to Bangladesh. The ambassador urged the repatriated migrants to avoid risking their lives in the future by falling victim to the exploitation and deception of brokers and smugglers. He also encouraged them to share their harrowing experiences with friends, family, and acquaintances to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration and its negative consequences. Besides, the Ambassador called on the repatriates to take necessary legal action against the smuggling networks upon their return to Bangladesh. He expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Libyan Directorate of Immigration (DCIM), the relevant local authorities, and IOM for their full cooperation in ensuring the timely operation of the repatriation flight. Gambia seeks Bangladesh support in pursuing genocide case against Myanmar The Bangladesh Embassy remains committed to the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi citizens detained, endangered, or trafficked in various detention centers in Libya. The embassy has been maintaining constant communication with local authorities and IOM Libya. Since 2017, under the direct supervision of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, 9,183 Bangladeshi citizens have been repatriated. Besides, the embassy is preparing to send more than 300 Bangladeshi citizens back home on two more flights scheduled for 19 and 26 March 2025. The embassy is committed to continuing its efforts for the safe return of Bangladeshi citizens detained or endangered in Libya. FA urges Rohingya repatriation roadmap among stakeholders

The government of Saudi Arabia has set the minimum age for Hajj pilgrims at 15 years this year. This information was provided in a letter issued today by the Hajj-1 branch of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Contracts with Hajj service providers must be ended by Feb 14: Adviser Khalid The letter, addressed to would-be Hajj pilgrims, Hajj agencies, and related banks, stated that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, considering the health and safety of children, has set the minimum age for those wishing to perform Hajj in the 2025 (1446 Hijri) season at 15 years. The age will be calculated from the date of birth mentioned in the pilgrim’s passport. Saudi Arabia bans children from accompanying Hajj pilgrims The letter further mentioned that a registered child pilgrim who is 15 years old, or a guardian accompanying a child pilgrim, can replace a pre-registered pilgrim if applicable. This rule will apply to both government and private registered pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has emphasised France's strong commitment to supporting democratic values, human rights, necessary reforms ahead of the upcoming elections and political dialogue in Bangladesh. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt She recently met leaders from various political parties in Bangladesh, such as leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Ganosamhati Andolon, and discussed the issues.

The interim government on Wednesday said UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ scheduled visit from March 13-16 would help redouble global efforts to find an early solution to the Rohingya crisis bringing the crisis to global attention again. “This is an important visit for Bangladesh. We firmly believe that the visit will help bring the crisis to the global spotlight. We expect the UN chief will give a good message to that end,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy ahead of the UN chief's second visit to Bangladesh.   Alam said the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus from the very beginning is working to ensure that the Rohingya crisis comes to the global map again despite there being other global crises. “The government wants to make sure that the global focus is there,” he said, adding that the Chief Adviser is highlighting the Rohingya crisis with the international dignitaries. The Press Secretary said the government wants early resolution of the Rohingya crisis so that they can return to their place of origin in Myanmar’s Rakhine State with safety and dignity. “It is a top priority of the interim government.”   Alam said the UN chief, who is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 5pm on Thursday, will have a bilateral meeting with Dr Yunus on Friday morning before they together travel to Cox’s Bazar to visit the Rohingya camp. Gambia seeks Bangladesh support in pursuing genocide case against Myanmar He said the humanitarian aid for the Rohingyas declined sharply and hoped that the visit will help find some ways to address the issue and efforts will be redoubled to mobilize aids for the Rohingyas. “We do no not want to see any disruption of funds flow. We do no not want to see their nutritional needs compromised.” Without urgent new funding, monthly rations must be halved to US$6 per person, down from US$12.50 per person – just as refugees prepare to observe Eid, marking the end of Ramadan, said the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) recently. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned of a critical funding shortfall for its emergency response operations in Bangladesh, jeopardising food assistance for over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. All Rohingyas receive vouchers that are redeemed for their choice of food at designated retailers in the camps. To sustain full rations, WFP urgently requires US$15 million for April, and US$81 million until the end of 2025. Alam said the visit will also be helpful for mobilizing global support ahead of the UN international conference on the Rohingya crisis to be held in September. He said Finland and Malaysia have also joined as co-sponsors of the event. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said the UN chief will have two working days mainly on Friday and Saturday though he arrives at 5pm on Thursday. Sharing their engagements in the Rohingya camp, Azad said they expect 1 lakh Rohingya people will join iftar with the Chief Adviser and UN chief together.  Guterres and Dr Yunus will also take part in an Iftar meal with refugees and members of the Bangladeshi host community, recognising the generosity of Bangladesh in sheltering nearly one million Rohingya who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar. The Chief Adviser will leave Dhaka for Cox’s Bazar in the morning (March 14) and return to Dhaka in the evening (same day), Azad said. As part of his annual Ramadan solidarity visit, Guterres will also meet young representatives from civil society. Bangladesh, Japan discuss PPP projects, transport cooperation The Secretary-General has made solidarity visits an annual tradition, beginning during his decade-long tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, when he regularly observed Ramadan alongside displaced and marginalised communities. “Every Ramadan, I undertake a solidarity visit and fast with a Muslim community around the globe. These missions remind the world of the true face of Islam,” Guterres said in his message. “Ramadan embodies the values of compassion, empathy and generosity. It is an opportunity to reconnect with family and community…and I always come away even more inspired by the remarkable sense of peace that fills this season,” he added. UN chief Guterres, in a recent letter to Dr Yunus, expressed the hope that the high-level conference on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar will renew global focus and help develop broader solutions for their plight. The United Nations will continue to mobilise the international community to support Bangladesh as a host to the Rohingya, Guterres said. “I will continue to exercise my good offices, including through my Special Envoy on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, to work closely with regional actors, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and other stakeholders, towards a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar, including creating conditions conducive to the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya to Rakhine,” he wrote. The UN chief has requested his senior managers to provide guidance to the United Nations Country Teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar on how they can maximize humanitarian aid and livelihood support to communities in Rakhine. FA urges Rohingya repatriation roadmap among stakeholders The United Nations will prioritise engagement on this issue, including through the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, in Myanmar, to enable safe, rapid, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in Rakhine and throughout Myanmar.” “We await the agreed outcomes and plans for the conference, following Member State consultations, to understand how the United Nations system can best support the process.” He thanked Dr Yunus for his letter, dated 4 February 2025, which was shared with him by High Representative for the Rohingya Crisis and Priority Affairs Khalilur Rahman during their meeting on 7 February. The UN chief also reiterated the strong solidarity of the United Nations with Bangladesh and their support for the transition process under Dr Yunus’ leadership. He said he shared Bangladesh’s concerns regarding the impact of the Rohingya crisis on Bangladesh and the region, as well as the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine.

Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara on Wednesday appraised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus about the genocide case against Myanmar that his country instituted and was pursuing to bring justice for the much-persecuted Rohingya Muslims. "I can assure you the President of Gambia is supporting this matter and looking into it. We want to put this issue back on the map," Tangara said when he met Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. He said, "The President of Gambia and the Gambian people are committed to this cause." Prof Yunus thanked Gambia for taking up the cause of the Rohingya people and for the African nation's persistent commitment and continued efforts for the successful fruition of the case, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. "We want this case to succeed. We want your support. It is a big help for us," the Chief Adviser said. Bangladesh, Japan discuss PPP projects, transport cooperation Mamadou Tangara praised the leadership of Professor Yunus, saying his diplomatic efforts would help the Rohingya people a dignified life. "You are a household name in Gambia. With your aura, the International community will always be with you," he said. The Foreign Minister also wished the Chief Adviser success in his new role as the head of Bangladesh's Interim Government. "We wish you every success in your noble work and challenging mission," he said. Prof Yunus highlighted Dhaka's efforts to mobilise aid for the Rohingya people and his calls to support humanitarian aid in Rakhine, including food and medical assistance to the displaced people and to stop more people from fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser also called for deeper trade and cooperation between the two nations. "Let us know how we can help you," he said. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction over signing an agreement to jointly work in United Nations peacekeeping operations. They also discussed the potential of microcredit to lift millions of people out of poverty in Africa and usher in peace and stability in some of the violence-plagued regions of the continent. Dr Khalilur Rahman, the High Representative of the Chief Adviser for Rohingya and other key issues, and Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the head of SDGs affairs of the Bangladesh government, were present during the meeting.