United News of Bangladesh

Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Wednesday laid emphasis on greater collaboration in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region as they support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators and leaders. "ICIMOD looks forward to continued collaboration as we support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators, and leaders," he said as the ICIMOD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kathmandu University to formally transfer the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) secretariat. The ceremony was held at the ICIMOD Headquarters in the capital city of Nepal. "Today’s MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional leadership and research for sustainable mountain development. Kathmandu University is exceptionally well placed to guide HUC into its next phase as an independent and regionally rooted consortium," said the ICIMOD DG. HUC was established in 2007 to bridge the gap in collaboration between universities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and beyond to tackle shared development challenges, particularly on mountain issues. Hosted by ICIMOD and supported by its core donors, HUC has created a network of universities and knowledge-sharing institutions, connecting experts, students and other learners across the region and beyond. HUC has grown into a vibrant network of more than 100 universities and academic institutions from within and beyond the HKH. “It is truly a proud and heartening moment to see Kathmandu University take on the responsibility of hosting the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), " said Dr Eklabya Sharma, former DDG, ICIMOD and former Steering Committee Member, HUC. Looking ahead, Dr Sharma said HUC’s strength and impact lie in deepening regional collaboration in research, education, capacity development, and the co-generation and dissemination of knowledge. "Such collective efforts will play a vital role in informing policies and practices for sustainable mountain development across the region." The transition of the HUC Secretariat to Kathmandu University marks an important next step, realising HUC’s long-envisioned role as an independent, regionally rooted, and academically driven consortium. “The Program Advisory Committee fully acknowledges and deeply appreciates that ICIMOD has hosted the HUC since its inception in 2007," saidTeresa Fogelberg, Programme Advisory Committee Chair. For more than seventeen years, Fogelberg said ICIMOD has nurtured this network, ensuring it had the support, stability, and visibility required to grow. "But we on the PAC also believe—strongly and unanimously—that the moment had come for the HUC to stand confidently on its own feet. And now, that moment has arrived. This transition is not only timely; it is truly remarkable," said the Programme Advisory Committee Chair.

Women workers from Bangladesh’s informal and marginalised sectors stepped forward on Wednesday to demand legal protection, fair wages and formal recognition at an event in Dhaka that spotlighted long-standing inequalities in the country’s labour landscape. The programme, titled “From Shadows to Leadership,” was organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh along with 33 civil society partners and co-funded by the EU under the Empowering Women Through Civil Society Actors in Bangladesh (EWCSA) project. According to baseline findings shared at the event, only 0.73% of women workers had formal contracts, while 85% lacked awareness of their rights. Most had also never interacted with a civil society organisation, underscoring deep-rooted policy gaps and systemic invisibility. Organisers, however, said five years of EWCSA interventions have helped women organise, advocate and engage with institutions that previously overlooked them. Domestic worker Putul Akhter from Barisal said she spent years feeling “unseen and humiliated” before gaining awareness about her rights.  “Now we demand legal recognition, proper contracts and dignity,” she added. Tea worker Shila Kurmi from Sylhet echoed the call for change. She said workers need a living wage, labour law enforcement, safe workplaces, healthcare and education, not as favours but as rights. Speakers stressed that legal reform is essential to achieving structural change. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of BILS and former head of the Labour Reform Commission, said women in domestic work, tea gardens, fisheries and home-based garment production remain largely unprotected. “True change requires organisation, movement and cooperation,” he added. In a video message, Farida Akter, Adviser at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said contributions of these workers must be formally recognised and included in policy frameworks. She called for stronger public awareness and greater media engagement so that rights “move from paper to practice.” Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, said women under the EWCSA project have made “outstanding impact” but noted that progress remains incomplete.      

The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh on Wednesday recognised Kalpona Akter and Rani Yan Yan as the inaugural laureates of the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh Human Rights Defenders award for their meaningful contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh. The event, to commemorate International Human Rights Day, provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the laureates, strengthen relationships and reaffirm Canada’s support for human rights in Bangladesh. The two recipients were recognised for their sustained leadership as human rights defenders. In this respect, Kalpona Akter was recognized for her work as a labour rights advocate and founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity. Rani Yan Yan was recognised for her role as the Advisor to the Chakma Circle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and for her work as an Indigenous peoples’ rights advocate. The ceremony was held at the official residence of the High Commissioner of Canada in Dhaka and was attended by Ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, academics and government institutions. In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Ajit Singh asserted that the defence of human rights is an underlying principle of Canada’s foreign policy. “By recognising human rights defenders who work tirelessly and courageously to uphold human rights, we acknowledge the important role these leaders play in building more just, inclusive, and prosperous communities where no one is left behind,” he said. Canada collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society and international partners like UNDP, the ILO and IFES to support programs for girls’ education, climate resilience, community-led development, labour rights, Indigenous rights and civic education for elections in Bangladesh. Kalpona Akter has worked for more than two decades to improve conditions for garment workers. Beginning her career in the sector as a young worker, Kalpona Akter’s journey began not in boardrooms or policy forums, but on the factory floor. At the age of 12, she was forced to drop out of school to support her family and entered the garment industry in Dhaka.

Highlighting the cultural interconnections between Bangladesh and India, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday recalled that Deepavali is widely celebrated across Bangladesh, often alongside Kali Puja and popularly known as Shyama Puja - Deepanita Mahotsav. These shared traditions, he said, reflect the deep historical and civilizational bonds that continue to anchor the friendship between the two countries. The High Commissioner noted that Deepavali, the festival of lights, embodies universal values—the victory of good over evil, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, and the reaffirmation of hope over despair. “These virtues and values transcend nations, cultures and faiths; they belong to humanity,” he said. The High Commission of India in Dhaka celebrated a landmark cultural milestone at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) through a special programme titled ‘Deepavali Goes Global’, marking the inscription of Deepavali into UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Human rights defender and Executive Director of Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra (BNSK)Sumaiya Islam has been awarded the 2025 Franco-German Award for Human Rights and the Rule of Law. Ambassadors of France and Germany to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, presented the award to Sumaiya Islam at a special ceremony held at the Franco-German Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday evening, marking the International Human Rights Day. Since 2016, France and Germany have used International Human Rights Day to jointly honor individuals around the world who demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting and defending fundamental rights and freedoms. Sumaiya Islam received the award for her long-standing dedication to advancing the rights of women - particularly migrant workers, sex workers, transgender persons, and others who are socially and economically marginalised. A committed civil society leader, Sumaiya Islam has spent two decades working with grassroots organizations such as BNSK and BOMSA, both of which advocate for the rights of migrant women. Drawing on this extensive experience, she now contributes to numerous regional civil society networks. She also served as a member of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission of the interim government of Bangladesh. Her advocacy and active participation in policymaking have played a key role in major legislative reforms strengthening the rights and protections of Bangladeshi female migrant workers. She works tirelessly to amplify the voices of women who are often unheard. Her perseverance and commitment have made her a role model for many young women who face marginalization. "It is a great honor, and I am truly grateful and deeply happy to receive this Franco-German Human Rights Prize. Since 1987, I have been engaged in activism, campaigns, and advocacy, and later established a full-fledged civil society organization in Bangladesh to uphold and promote human rights," Sumaiya said, while receiving the prize. This recognition, she said, will help amplify her work and that of BNSK, enabling them to leverage this honor to further strengthen their initiatives to protect and advance the rights of women migrant workers globally. The Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law symbolises the shared values of France and Germany and reflects the European countries firm commitment to protecting and promoting human rights worldwide, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. The foreign policies of both countries place human rights at their core. With this prize, France and Germany reaffirm that human rights are universal principles, guaranteed by international instruments, and that all states must uphold the commitments they have freely made. “Today, on the 10th of December, France celebrates the universality of human rights, proclaimed in the 1948 Declaration adopted in Paris, as well as the last day of the 16 Days of Activism against sexual and gender-based violence. As the timeline illustrates, there can be no human rights without women’s rights," Ambassador of France Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet said, while presenting the award. He said France continues to support human rights defenders worldwide and whole-heartedly congratulates Sumaiya Islam for receiving the 2025 Franco-German Award for Human Rights and the Rule of Law. "We hope her commitment will inspire others to uphold human rights and advance gender equality in Bangladesh and across the globe,” said the Ambassador of France. “We are deeply pleased that this year’s Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law honours a Bangladeshi activist whose work reflects the courage and commitment found in communities across this country," Ambassador of Germany Dr. Rüdiger Lotz added. He said grassroots defenders play an essential role in protecting rights, strengthening accountability, and giving voice to those who are too often unheard. "Their efforts are vital for advancing gender equality, inclusive development, and a more just society. Germany and France remain steadfast in supporting those who work every day to uphold human dignity. We warmly congratulate this year’s laureate from Bangladesh on this well-deserved recognition,” said the Ambassador of Germany. Previously, the prize was awarded to Adilur Rahman Khan, founder of Odhikar, in 2017. He was the second Bangladeshi recipient, following Tahmina Rahman of Article 19 in 2016.    

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that 4,955,527 people in Bangladesh are currently internally displaced due to natural disasters, marking the country’s first comprehensive nationwide assessment of disaster-induced displacement. The findings, launched on Wednesday by IOM in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and development partners provide a clear picture of how floods, cyclones, river erosion, and other hazards continue to disrupt lives across the country. Bangladesh faces repeated natural hazards every year, but until now, there was no verified nationwide estimate of how many people were forced to leave their homes due to disasters. To close this gap, IOM conducted an extensive assessment in all eight divisions, 64 districts, 4,579 unions, 329 municipalities, and 480 city corporation wards. The assessment collectively interviewed more than 29,000 key informants through 5,388 field visits, making it the most extensive exercise of its kind in Bangladesh. Speaking at the event, Lance Bonneau, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, said understanding the scale of displacement is essential for effective disaster management and long-term planning. "These findings give national authorities, local leaders and development partners a shared foundation to respond to displacement with greater clarity and coordination.” Key assessment findings include: two out of three IDPs (63%) were displaced before April 2020, pointing to long-term, unresolved displacement across the country. One in four IDPs (25%) were displaced between April 2020 and April 2024. The assessment found that Chattogram Division hosts the largest share of IDPs (1.21 million), followed by Dhaka (0.79 million) and Rajshahi (0.66 million). Four districts — Chattogram, Sirajganj, Bhola and Noakhali — account for a quarter of all displaced persons. Most IDPs (85%) live in rural union areas. Representatives of the Government of Bangladesh welcomed the report as a major step toward strengthening implementation of the National Strategy on Internal Displacement Management, which calls for regular, systematic data collection on displaced populations. Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, delivered virtual remarks as the chief guest. Other speakers included K M Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR); Mohammad Navid Saifullah, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC); and Eva Atanassova from the European Union. Korea, IOM sign USD 5 Million assistance to Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar The event included a presentation on the methodology, an official unveiling of the report and a panel discussion on how to incorporate IDP estimation into government data systems, featuring representatives from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and development partners. Partners who supported this initiative reaffirmed their commitment to work with Bangladesh in building more resilient and inclusive systems for disaster response. Representatives from the Government of Bangladesh and other   partners also attended the event. The new estimate marks an important milestone in Bangladesh’s effort to better understand and address internal displacement. It will help guide policies on disaster preparedness, relocation planning, social protection, climate adaptation and long-term development, IOM said.  

Working closely with international partners such as UNDP, Japan remains committed to making contributions towards a sustainable solution to the Rohingya response, said Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Bangladesh Takahashi Naoki. "I am hopeful that this comprehensive solid waste management facility will help improve the lives of both Rohingya refugees and host communities," said the diplomat. Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has supported the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over US$240 million, said UNDP in a media release on Wednesday. The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Japan, inaugurated the expanded sanitary landfill facility at Camp 20 Extension in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar recently. The expansion marks a significant milestone in strengthening safe, sustainable and system-based solid waste management for both Rohingya refugees and the surrounding host communities. The upgraded facility is designed to handle an additional 60,000 m³ of non-recyclable waste, ensuring uninterrupted waste disposal for the next seven to eight years. This will help prevent environmental contamination, reduce public health risks, and improve living conditions across 26 camps, where nearly 140 tonnes of waste are generated daily. The landfill serves as the backbone of a wider waste management system developed by UNDP since 2019. Bangladesh, Sweden, and Ukraine unite through 'Grain from Ukraine' to support Rohingyas With support from government entities, the WASH Sector, and partners including the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), BRAC as implementing partner, and ManTech as construction partner, the expansion strengthens a comprehensive system that includes segregated waste collection, leachate treatment, and hygiene campaigns benefitting over 900,000 people. Abu Saleh Mohammad Obaidullah, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, said proper waste management is essential for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring safer living conditions. "This expanded landfill will greatly benefit both Rohingya refugees and local host communities. We appreciate Japan and UNDP for their continued cooperation and hope this support will further strengthen public health protection in the camps.” Speaking at the ceremony, Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, said managing over 100 tons of waste every day in the camps is not just about disposal, it is about safeguarding health, protecting the environment, and preserving dignity.  "This expanded facility helps ensure that the communities here can live in cleaner, safer conditions today, while building a system that remains resilient for the years ahead.” He further said, "This is a clear example of what sustained collaboration between humanitarian and development partners can deliver: practical, scalable solutions that serve both Rohingya and local communities.” The expansion site was selected in Ukhiya to minimize environmental impact. Situated next to the existing facility, the naturally contoured land required no tree removal, hill cutting, or shelter relocation. As part of a complementary USD 1.48 million Sustainable Solid Waste Management Project in the Rohingya Camps, Japan is also providing support in Teknaf, introducing a new sanitary landfill, sorting facilities, composting units, innovative waste-to-energy options, and community awareness initiatives aimed at promoting circular economy practices. Rohingya crisis returns to global spotlight under interim govt: Shafiqul Alam As a longstanding global partner and among UNDP’s highest core contributors, Japan’s support continues to enable critical initiatives such as this solid waste management intervention in Cox’s Bazar. Senior representatives from RRRC, DPHE, WASH Sector, BRAC, ManTech, local government bodies, and development partners attended the inauguration. The expanded facility reflects continued collaboration for a safer, cleaner, and more resilient Cox’s Bazar.  

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent organization that promotes press freedom worldwide, has written to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, urging him to mark International Human Rights Day by taking steps that would allow all journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh to return to their families and resume work. "Bangladesh authorities must uphold domestic and international human rights obligations," said the CPJ in a letter sent to Prof Yunus, noting that real reform requires a decisive break from past practices, not replication of previous abuses. CPJ Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi wrote the letter to the Chief Adviser, a copy of which was also sent to Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam. The CPJ made the letter public through its website ahead of the International Human Rights Day that falls on December 10. The CPJ said it is essential that all political partiesrespect journalists’ right to report freely as the country prepares to vote in February next year. It requested Prof Yunus' urgent attention to the matter of journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh ahead of International Human Rights Day. According to data compiled by CPJ, Bangladesh currently holds four journalists in prison on murder charges — accusations that lack credible evidence and appear to be in retaliation for their reporting and perceivedpolitical affiliations. The families of the journalists have described conditions at Kashimpur Prison that raise serious human rights concerns. They are being held in tiny 36-square-foot (3.34 square meters) cells with metal bars instead of doors, leaving them exposed to cold weather and mosquito infestations. Charting a path towards building equal society; strengthening democracy: Prof Yunus They sleep on the concrete floor, without mattresses, and food supplied by the prison is insufficient and often inedible. Medical care is severely inadequate: the prison has no permanent doctor, routine tests are unobtainable, and prisoners receive no medication unless supplied by their families. Those with serious health conditions — including cancer, diabetes, cardiac issues, and sleep apnea — have gone months without treatment. "Prof. Yunus, in a November 2024 interview with The Daily Star, you acknowledged that murder accusations had been hastily filed against journalists in Bangladesh. In the same interview, you stated that your government had stopped such actions and formed a committee to review these cases," the letter reads. "However, since you took office on August 8 last year, fresh murder charges have been brought against all four journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh — Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta," CPJ said. They have been repeatedly denied bail and a lawyer representing some of the journalists, ZI Khan Panna, has also been targeted with a murder accusation. Freedom of speech and expression are protected under Article 39 of Bangladesh’s constitution and in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bangladesh has acceded. CPJ concerned over revocation of 20 journalists’ press accreditation The judiciary has also repeatedly recognized the critical role of an independent press in strengthening democratic institutions and accountability. CPJ's advocacy is supported by more than 1,500 journalists, representing over 100 countries, who joined CPJ in a solidarity action at this year’s Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Malaysia to call on governments around the world to free imprisoned journalists and end impunity for those who attack the press. "Your personal attention to this matter would underscore Bangladesh’s commitment to humane governance, justice, and open public discourse," the letter reads.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said they are now preparing to hold a democratic, free and fair general election in early February 2026, charting a path towards building a just and equal society and strengthening their democracy. He renew Bangladesh’s pledge to work resolutely with their international partners and the UN system to further strengthen the country’s national human rights regime and engage meaningfully with the international community in advancing global human rights standards. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s call that human rights ought to be promoted as an article of faith to assert the worth and value of every human life with dignity and without any discrimination. Marking the Human Rights Day 2025 that falls on December 10, Prof Yunus, on behalf of the people and the government of Bangladesh, reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to upholding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter. This year, the world observes the day under the theme 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials'. "In Bangladesh, we celebrate this day about a year and a half after the historic youth-led 'July Uprising'. People from all walks of life rose against oppression and tyranny, defeating a fascist regime in pursuit of dignity and human rights," Prof Yunus said. A 'New Bangladesh' has emerged from this tumultuous period, he said in a message, marking the Day. With the overwhelming support of the people, Prof Yunus said they have further upheld their commitment to justice through the recent verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh, which convicted members of the deposed regime of crimes against humanity in connection with the 'July Uprising'. "Today, we stand proud as a nation that has acceded to all nine core international human rights treaties, most recently the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance," he said. The Chief Adviser said they have also acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and all core ILO conventions, underscoring our dedication to labour rights and ethical workplace practices. Internationally, he said, Bangladesh continues to play an active role in global norm-setting as a member of the Human Rights Council. Prof Yunus said they remain engaged in international efforts to address emerging global challenges that hinder the full enjoyment of human rights, including conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change and forced displacement. Yunus interim govt's economics team a class apart: Press Secretary "We remain steadfast in advocating for the rights of the persecuted Rohingyas, who face oppression rooted in ethnicity-based politics," he said. Even after eight years, not a single Rohingya has been able to return to Myanmar. "We continue to shoulder a significant humanitarian burden by providing temporary shelter, while persistently drawing global attention to their plight, most recently at the UN High-level Conference on 30 September 2025," said the Chief Adviser. Likewise, he said, they remain vocal in condemning human rights violations anywhere in the world, including in the Gaza Strip, and we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine in their legitimate struggle for statehood, justice and freedom.      

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo S.p.A have signed a letter of intent (LOI), paving the way for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft for the force. The LOI was signed on Tuesday at the Air Force Headquarters in the presence of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and representatives from the Italian side also attended the signing ceremony. US Chargé d' Affaires Jacobson meets Bangladesh Air Force Chief According to BAF, it is a step towards inducting modern multi-role combat aircraft into the frontline fleet of the Bangladesh Air Force.