United News of Bangladesh

Appreciating the SANDEE's impactful 25 years journey, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Director General Pema Gyamtsho on Friday laid emphasis on continued joint efforts in the region to understand and respond to the nexus of poverty, development and environmental sustainability in South Asia. “The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) has grown into a vibrant, indispensable community,” said Pema Gyamtsho as SANDEE marked its 25th anniversary with a high-level three-day international conference that began at Himalaya Hotel on Friday. The conference brought together experts and global thought leaders, including from Bangladesh, on the economic challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development in one of the planet’s most critical regions – the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). The network’s legacy of building regional research capacity and policy impact is being celebrated as top global economists are charting path for the Hindu Kush Himalaya’s future. “Its work has fundamentally advanced how we understand and respond to the nexus of poverty, development, and environmental sustainability in South Asia. This foundation is non-negotiable for our future," said the ICIMOD DG.

A UN expert on Friday urged the United Kingdom to help mobilise international opposition to the Myanmar military junta’s claim that the election that it will stage later this month is legitimate, while taking other measures to strengthen its support of human rights in Myanmar. “I am heartened by the United Kingdom’s rejection of the junta’s election scheme,” said Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, in a statement at the end of his visit to the UK. “I urge the UK Government to proactively reach out to other Governments, especially those in Asia, to ensure they do the same. A strong, coordinated rejection of these sham elections is essential to deny the junta the means to fabricate credibility and legitimacy,” he said. Andrews urged the UK Government to take stronger measures to address a deepening human rights crisis in Myanmar. “While the military continues to escalate its attacks on civilian targets, there have been no new targeted UK sanctions issued against the junta since October 2024 and protection pathways for desperate Myanmar people appear to be narrowing under newly announced policies,” he said. The Special Rapporteur noted that the UK’s Human Rights and Democracy Annual Report has not been published since July 2023, leaving a noticeable gap in the articulation of the UK Government’s position and perspective on deteriorating human rights conditions, including those in Myanmar. “I am also concerned that the Security Council’s engagement on the crisis in Myanmar has fallen short,” the expert said. “As Security Council penholder on Myanmar, I urge the UK Government to increase the visibility of the crisis while demanding junta accountability.” “The UK could, for example, move to convene a public session on the junta’s failure to implement provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in the Rohingya genocide case,” Andrews said. “A stronger human rights lens should be integrated into Security Council engagement.” The Special Rapporteur expressed his horror at the bombing of Mrauk-U General Hospital in western Rakhine State on Human Rights Day, which reportedly killed at least 30 people and injured more than 60. “This attack, carried out on a day when we reaffirm our commitment to human rights, illustrates and underscores the junta’s complete disregard for civilian lives and blatant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law,” he said. “The United Kingdom is in a unique position to help drive a strong international response, drawing on its leadership role as penholder on Myanmar at the UN Security Council, as a country that has helped restrict the junta’s access to weapons and financing through sanctions, and as a major humanitarian donor,” Andrews said. “The people of Myanmar have shown extraordinary courage. They deserve an international response that matches their determination,” the Special Rapporteur said. “The United Kingdom can play a decisive role — and now is the moment to act.”

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has honoured three exceptional leaders and their initiatives with the Dr Andreas Schild Memorial Mountain Prize, recognising their innovation, impact, and dedication to the mountain cause. This annual award commemorates the legacy of former ICIMOD Director General Dr Andreas Schild, a tireless champion for the world’s mountains and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. His commitment continues to inspire those whose lives he touched during his long and distinguished career. The winners were selected by a fair and rigorous jury representing ICIMOD’s seven regional member countries, ensuring a transparent and inclusive selection process, officials said. Their groundbreaking initiatives are helping shape a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future for the people and ecosystems of the Hindu Kush Himalaya. ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho presented the prizes at a ceremony held on Wednesday evening. Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University Prof Achyut Wagle, Programme Advisory Committee Chair Teresa Fogelberg, former ICIMOD DDG Dr Eklabya Sharma, and diplomats based in Kathmandu were also present. Bhutan’s glaciologist and Head of the Cryosphere Services Division at the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Karma Toeb, was honoured for his pioneering work in reducing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). His leadership in the siphoning of Thorthormi Lake—one of Bhutan’s most dangerous glacial lakes—has significantly reduced the threat to downstream communities and critical infrastructure. Geley Norbu, Director General of the National Land Commission Secretariat, received the award for his leadership in advancing Bhutan’s rangeland reforms. His initiatives—particularly in digital mapping, securing land rights for marginalised herders, and building climate-resilient rangeland systems—have been recognised as transformative for highland communities. Xinquan Zhao, a conservation leader from China, was also awarded for exemplary work in rangeland reform, contributing to improved land stewardship and resilience in the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems. This recognition celebrates Zhao’s outstanding initiative, “Transformative changes in pastoralism: Solutions for promoting grassland restoration and livelihood improvement in the Sanjiangyuan region,” which stands as a model of systemic, transformative innovation in alpine sustainability. In 2022, the Mountain Prize was renamed the Dr Andreas Schild Memorial Mountain Prize in honour of the former ICIMOD Director General, a champion of the mountains of the world and the HKH region, whose lasting impact continues to be felt across the region.

A high-level delegation of investors from various industrial sectors in China in a meeting with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) focused on joint investment in the diversified products sector. The meeting was held at the BGMEA Complex in the capital on Thursday. The BGMEA side was led by its Senior Vice President, Inamul Haq Khan, while the Chinese delegation was led by Frank Yi, Chairman of the global fashion partner BETTEX Industries Ltd. Among others were attended by BGMEA Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, and Directors Faisal Samad, Md. Hasib Uddin, Rumana Rashid, and Mohammad Sohel, said a pres release. The meeting focused on exploring trade and diversified investment opportunities between Bangladesh and China, particularly in the apparel industry's backward linkage sector. The Chinese delegation comprised representatives from diverse sectors, including: Textile, Fabrics, and Backward Linkage, IT, AI, and Supply Chain Technology, Hi-Tech Industry, Education and Technical Research, Legal Consultancy and Dispute Resolution. A major point of discussion was the potential for joint investment in key sectors, notably the backward linkage industry for apparel—including Man-Made Fiber (MMF) which is crucial for the industry. BGMEA leaders highlighted Bangladesh's increasing focus on upgrading technology and machinery to enhance its capacity for producing high-value products, especially MMF-based garments. BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan urged Chinese businesses to pursue joint investments in MMF-based textiles, chemicals, and renewable energy sectors. He said such investments would boost the industry’s competitiveness, reduce production costs, and shorten lead times. Furthermore, he sought Chinese cooperation in adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven supply chain solutions, integral supply chains, 3D prototyping, and Digital Product Passports to prepare for the challenges of LDC graduation. BGMEA Director Faisal Samad emphasized the importance of close communication between the businesses of both countries. He proposed a coordination meeting between BGMEA and Chinese businessmen in January, which would be organized in collaboration with BETTEX Industries Ltd. Samad also proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) in China for education and research cooperation. Additionally, he suggested that a Chinese law firm could provide an effective platform for resolving commercial disputes that often arise between the two parties over the import of fabrics from China. BGMEA Instructs Factories Not to Respond to RSC Letters on Non-OSH Complaints The Chinese delegation expressed a strong interest in joint investment in critical areas, including renewable energy. They agreed to the proposed January meeting and extended an invitation to the BGMEA leaders to visit major fabric manufacturing centers in China. The Chinese delegation included YI, SHANWEI Chairman, Weihai Bettex and YI, RAN Project Manager, IT and Supply Chain experts LUO, FEI, Chairman, Beijing Mofeng Technology and GAO, BIN, President, Nanjing Zhiyi Network Technology.    

Director General of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Thursday said the future of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and generations, stressing that cooperation is their only realistic strategy. "Mountains ignore political borders. Rivers do not stop at national frontiers. Glaciers do not melt according to geopolitics," he said marking the International Mountain Day that falls on December 11. ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre working on behalf of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and they work for eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Gyamtsho, who grew up believing that mountains are eternal, said fragmented action in mountain regions is not only inadequate, but it is also dangerous. "The future of the HKH depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and generations. This is not only an environmental imperative, it is a question of stability, security, and peace," he said. The ICIMOD DG said they stand at a crossroads: choose reactive crisis response, or proactive resilience building. "The glaciers that shaped us are changing rapidly; our response must be faster still." On this International Mountain Day, he called on governments, development partners, businesses, researchers, and citizens to treat mountains with respect and care for their sustainability as a shared responsibility. The ICIMOD DG called for investing urgently in mountain resilience funding cryosphere protection as a global necessity supporting communities as custodians of climate solutions protecting our water towers, not only in words, but through action Because protecting glaciers is not about saving ice. "It is about saving lives, livelihoods, cultures, and possibilities," he said, adding that the mountains have sustained them for centuries. "Let us act now to help them sustain our future generations." The ICIMOD DG said mountains have taught them so much - they have taught resilience, standing firm against storms. "They have taught humility, reminding us that ambition must respect nature’s limits. They have taught patience, that real change, like geological time, demands persistence. Above all, they have taught balance: to take only what we need, and give back more than we take," he mentioned. Gyamtsho said mountains are eternal and their silence felt powerful, their glaciers unshakeable. "Like many across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), I never saw them as geological formations, but as guardians, sanctuaries of our rivers, our forests, and our lives. Today, I know those silent giants are speaking louder than ever, and we cannot afford to ignore them," Gyamtsho mentioned. He said this year’s theme for International Mountain Day, ‘Glaciers matter for water, food, and livelihoods in mountains and beyond’, is deeply personal to him, not only as someone working for mountain sustainability, but as someone shaped by these landscapes and protected by their generosity. In the HKH, glaciers are not just symbols of beauty or adventure, they are custodians of daily life, silently feeding the taps in our homes and watering the fields that sustain our communities, said the ICIMOD DG. He said the HKH is a global treasure and holds the largest volume of snow and ice outside the Arctic and Antarctica, home to more than 54,000 glaciers, nearly 9% of the world’s total. These frozen reservoirs feed ten major rivers that support over two billion people downstream. From farms and fisheries to hydropower, remote villages, towns, cities, and megacities, our lives are shaped by what happens to these rivers and the glaciers that feed them. "We often treat glaciers as metaphors. In our region, they are infrastructure: natural water tanks that secure food, energy, and human security. To protect them is not just to save their majestic forms, but also to safeguard the future of economies, cultures, and generations," Gyamtsho said. But they are disappearing faster than expected. Glacier mass loss in the HKH has increased by 65% in just one decade. "If emissions continue as they are, we could lose up to 80% of our ice by the end of this century," he said. Gyamtsho said the science continues to warn them and the HKH Snow Update 2025 shows: three consecutive years of below-average snow across key basins dangerously reduced spring snow shifts in snowmelt already disrupting agriculture, hydropower, and daily life For farmers, he said, this means less water for crops. For families, greater struggle to access clean water. For downstream regions, it threatens food, water, and energy security while increasing disaster risks for millions. "Yet I want to pause here, because urgency does not mean hopelessness," said Gyamtsho. Across the HKH, he witnesses extraordinary resilience: farmers adopting climate-smart irrigation, women leading community-based restoration, and youth mapping glacial lakes with drones. "Governments are beginning to recognise that mountains no longer remain in the realm of peripheral references in national discourses, but they are being recognised as national priorities," he said, noting that mountain communities have already shown great resilience to devastating changes. "What we need now is to scale up the investment to match the urgency. Cooperation is our only realistic strategy," Gyamtsho said.  

The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh on Thursday commemorated the ‘Demonstrations of December 11, 1960’, an important event in Algeria’s fight for independence. The ceremony was held with great honor and pride, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Algerian people in their struggle against French colonial rule. The event began with the hoisting of the Algerian National Flag at the embassy premises, a powerful symbol of national pride and sovereignty. This was followed by a one-minute silence to honour the martyrs who gave their lives during the December 11, 1960 demonstrations, whose bravery continues to inspire generations. The commemoration proceeded with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Moulana Mohammad Anowarul Haque, who prayed for the heroes of the demonstrations, followed by another Quranic recitation by Moulana Masud Ahmed. In his speech, Abdelouahab Saidani, the Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, reflected on the historical significance of the December 11, 1960 protests. He recalled how the courageous Algerians rose up against the French colonial regime, just as French President Charles de Gaulle visited Algeria to promote his ‘third way’ plan that offered partial sovereignty but rejected true independence. Ambassador Saidani emphasised that the harsh repression faced by the protesters only fueled their determination for independence. The violent response from the French forces, including mass arrests and killings, served to unite the Algerian people and draw international attention to their cause. This collective resistance ultimately led to Algeria gaining its independence. The Ambassador further emphasised that the events of December 11, 1960, not only solidified Algerian unity but also led to the recognition of Algeria’s right to self-determination by the United Nations, eventually pressuring France into negotiations and ending colonial rule. Today, Algeria stands as a sovereign nation committed to progress and prosperity through innovation, unity, and a diversified economy. Ambassador Saidani praised Algeria’s advancements in various sectors, particularly in empowering the youth, while also honoring the brave martyrs who paved the way for the country’s freedom. Drawing a parallel between Algeria’s struggle and Bangladesh’s own history of resistance, the ambassador underscored the shared values of dignity and self-determination that bind the two nations. He called for continued cooperation between Algeria and Bangladesh, especially in the fields of trade, education, technology, and renewable energy, and paid tribute to the enduring friendship between the two countries. The ceremony concluded with the screening of a documentary film showcasing the history and significance of the December 11, 1960 demonstrations, paying homage to the brave souls who contributed to Algeria’s independence. Members of civil society, respected individuals from various sectors, Bangladesh Scouts, journalists from various media houses and prominent business leaders from across the country attended the event.  

Bangladesh and Australia have identified new avenues for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, skills partnership and technology sharing, blue economy, artificial intelligence, cyber security and anti–money laundering initiatives. The issues were discussed at the 6th round of Senior Officials’ Talks (SOT) between Bangladesh and Australia held in Dhaka on Wednesday. Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral–East and West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia led the respective delegations. With the commitment to strengthen the ever growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, the 6th SOT was held in a ‘warm and cordial’ atmosphere, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The discussion featured constructive, forward-looking exchanges covering a wide spectrum of bilateral relations including sectoral cooperation, trade and investment, development partnership, migration and mobility, maritime cooperation, multilateral engagement, climate change and people-to-people linkages. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest, including the Indo-Pacific, IORA engagements, and the Rohingya situation. First Assistant Secretary Storey reiterated Australia’s continued support to the Interim Government and its reform initiatives. About the upcoming General Election, she conveyed that Australia looks forward to a free and fair election and democratic transition in Bangladesh, including extending full support to the Bangladeshi expatriates for the postal voting. Storey highlighted Australian Government’s priority areas in its relations with Bangladesh namely expansion of people to people linkages, growth of trade and investment, implementation of development partnership, support Bangladesh in managing Rohingyas, defence and security cooperation, Indo Pacific cooperation.  

Commemorating Human Rights Day 2025, the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division (LPAD), Ministry of Law, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, organised a discussion on the state of play and way forward in Dhaka on Wednesday. Senior government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, and human rights advocates gathered to reaffirm the country’s commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights. The commemoration also showcased renewed momentum behind institutional reforms, including the long-awaited reform of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) through the Ordinance 2025, a milestone effort to better align with international human rights standards. The event featured a univocal call for the swift appointment of the NHRC commissioners. Delivering special remarks, Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul noted, “With strengthened institutions, legal reforms, and committed partnerships, we are ensuring that every citizen’s dignity, freedom, and access to justice are protected. True progress comes when laws are implemented effectively, and together, we can build a Bangladesh where justice has no fear, dignity has no price, and human rights have no enemy.” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan highlighted, “We have begun the journey from the darkest days of human rights violations toward meaningful progress, a process that demands time, dedication, and strong leadership.” Adilur Rahman Khan (TBD), Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, stressed, “I commend the Ministry of Law for implementing human rights–centered reforms in such a short time. True progress is measured by laws that serve the people and a state that stands united with its citizens. Our hope for future governments is that Bangladesh becomes a genuinely people-centered and democratic country.” Reaffirming UNDP’s commitment, Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, emphasised, “Our reform support has aimed to bring Bangladesh’s institutional and legal frameworks into closer alignment with international standards. Central to this effort is the new Ordinance reforming the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The UN and UNDP remain steadfast in our commitment to walk with Bangladesh on this journey — from painful lessons to a future of hope, where rights are both declared, and delivered.” Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Communications Affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland, noted, “Switzerland commends the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP, civil society and other stakeholders for their work in advancing a consultative and evidence-based process to strengthen inclusive reforms like the NHRC Ordinance 2025. Our commitment is to help ensure that these reforms translate into real protection, justice and dignity for all citizens.” Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary, LAPD, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chair of the Commission of Enforced Disappearance, Ben Buckland, Senior Advisor, Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), Professor Dr. Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka, Rani Yan Yan, Indigenous Human Rights Defender, Shireen Pervin Huq, Founding Member, Naripokkho were among many who attended the event. The programme also featured expert sessions on operationalising the NHRC Ordinance, preventing torture, improving access to remedies, and strengthening civil society engagement. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building strong, accountable, and people-centred institutions that uphold the fundamental rights of all.

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun has been appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a Member of the Independent Expert Advisory Panel on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). CPD congratulated her on this achievement and looks forward to supporting her work in this significant international role. The 15-member global Panel, comprising experts who will serve in their personal capacities, will play a central role in guiding the future development and application of the MVI, the civil society think tank said on Wednesday. MVI will work alongside the MVI Secretariat and the UN Statistical Commission to ensure the Index remains methodologically sound, relevant and effective for global policy processes. Under UN General Assembly Resolution 78/322, the Panel is mandated to review the MVI every three years, recommend methodological improvements, and monitor developing countries’ progress in reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening resilience. It will also consider issues raised by the UN Statistical Commission and the General Assembly and reviews lessons learned from the application of the #MVI across the UN system. Dr Fahmida’s appointment is an important recognition of Bangladesh’s contribution to global development discourse, CPD said. She will serve on the Panel in her personal capacity, contributing to its technical and policy-facing work to strengthen the continued relevance, robustness and accessibility of the MVI. Dr Fahmida is also a member of the High-level Advisory Board on Productive Capacities Index of the UNCTAD; a Board Member of BRAC and a Board Director of the Bangladesh Bank.

At the initiative of BCCCI President Mohd. Khorshed Alam, a joint business delegation representing the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) paid a courtesy call on Golam Rasul, Chief of the Special Branch (SB), at the SB Head Office in Dhaka on Wednesday. During the meeting, the SB Chief extended a warm welcome to the delegation members and engaged in a constructive discussion on several important issues affecting Chinese businessmen operating in Bangladesh. He addressed matters related to visa processing, SB security clearance, work permit formalities, and other administrative procedures. Golam Rasul informed the delegation that significant progress has already been made in simplifying these services and ensuring faster responses. He emphasized the government's strong commitment to facilitating foreign investment and assured that the Special Branch is continuously working to streamline its operational processes. The SB chief proposed organizing regular coordination meetings between SB officials and business representatives from BCCCI and CEAB to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. This collaborative platform is expected to help identify challenges early and ensure smoother business operations across the country. The Presidents of both BCCCI and CEAB expressed their sincere gratitude to the SB Chief for his proactive measures and visionary initiatives. BCCCI, CEAB seek joint action plan to boost Bangladesh–China trade They stated that such coordinated efforts will greatly improve the overall investment environment for Chinese entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. They also expressed confidence that issues related to work permits, visas, security clearances, and associated administrative formalities will be resolved more effectively through this structured approach. Secretary General of BCCCI Jamilur Rahman, Senior Vice President Hanjing Chao, Executive Director Md Abu Taher and Senior members of CEAB were also present.