Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus left  Dhaka early Wednesday on a three-day visit to Egypt to attend the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo. The flight carrying Chief Adviser Prof Yunus departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:20am Wednesday, saud CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Heads of government from several more countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, will join the summit on December 19, Azad said. D-8: CA Dr Yunus set to embark on Egypt tour tonight Referring to the theme of this year's D-8 Summit, “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow's Economy,” he said this summit is important for Bangladesh as the chief adviser has been speaking for utilising the strength and potential of youths after taking over the charge. “He (CA) always wants our youths to flourish with their full potential and he has been working to this end. Now he will get a scope to work on it in a global forum (D-8),” he said. Besides, the Chief Adviser will deliver a lecture in the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, said Azad. This week marks an "important moment" for the D-8 with the 48th Session of the D-8 Commission meeting held in Cairo. Over the next few days, key discussions will unfold, culminating in the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers on December 18 and the highly anticipated 11th D-8 Summit on December 19. Bangladesh already in middle-income trap: Debapriya These meetings will bring together leaders to strengthen economic cooperation and outline a shared vision for sustainable development among member states. The D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The maiden visit as President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Dr José Ramos-Horta to Bangladesh "ushered in a new era" in the bilateral relations between the two countries, said a joint communique on Tuesday.  Both the leaders - Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President José Ramos-Horta expressed optimism for a stronger and deeper partnership for mutual benefits of the two friendly nations.  Both the nations expressed concern over the agony of poverty, rising costs in the most impoverished countries. They called for the global combined efforts of unlocking finance through writing off debt, streamlining international finance at lowest interest rates, and significantly increasing official development assistance to Small Island Developing States, LDCs and climate vulnerable nations.  Both the countries believe that it would be a leap forward in international solidarity if all OECD countries were to allocate 1% of their national GDP to ODA, as it would bring a positive effects on poverty rates, food security, access to basic health services, education, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, housing or social security, with multiplier effects on the diversification of economies, especially in agriculture.  At the official invitation of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, President Ramos-Horta paid an official visit to Bangladesh from December 14 to 17. He delivered a lecture at Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on Tuesday.  During the visit, the President paid deep homage to the martyrs of the ‘Liberation War in 1971’ and ‘July-August Revolution 2024’ who made supreme sacrifice for an Independent and Discrimination free Bangladesh.  President José Ramos-Horta recalled with gratitude the contribution of the Bangladesh Peacekeeping forces in Timor-Leste in 2002.  The two leaders expressed satisfaction over steadily growing relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.  Talent Partnership to ensure safe, dignified migration: Ambassador Miller They underscored the need for tapping available synergies and increased economic engagements.  They appreciated signing of MOU on ‘Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM)’ and Agreement on the ‘Exemption from Visa Requirement for the Diplomatic and Official or Service Passport holders’ during the visit.  Visiting East Timorese president calls on counterpart at Bangabhaban During the visit, the two sides explored possibility of advancing the bilateral cooperation between the two nations in the fields of trade & investment, air services, cultural exchange, education, professional and diplomatic training, disaster management, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and poverty alleviation including microfinance and microcredit.  The above-mentioned fields of cooperation will be further discussed between the two Governments through the agreed Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.   Both sides discussed the following potential areas of cooperation i.e. food security, health and nutrition, agricultural cooperation including contact farming, livestock and veterinary science, deep sea fishing and aquaculture, ICT, tourism, Bangladesh diaspora, regional and international issues of common interest.  They also highlighted exchange of higher educational experience through student exchange, faculty exchange, research projects and joint masters and doctoral programmes. Around 200-300 Bangladeshi nationals are currently living in Timor-Leste.  Both the leaders discussed the possibility of issuing a long-term stay permit (Permanent Residency) and Work Permit for the Bangladeshi expatriates living in Timor-Leste in accordance with the law.   Timor-Leste President discusses bilateral relations with President Shahabuddin Both the leaders emphasised on the importance of joint efforts in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, food security, green energy, human trafficking and transnational crime.  Bangladesh sought Timor-Leste’s support for repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) staying in Bangladesh.  Bangladesh urged Timor Leste’s active role in the International and Regional fora for immediate return of the FDMNs from Bangladesh. Both agreed that the solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis lies with Myanmar.  The two leaders acknowledged the importance of coordinated actions for common objectives within international organizations such as the United Nations (UN).  They committed to jointly supporting initiatives to strengthen and support sustainable development and climate actions, international peace and security, protecting human rights, international justice and promoting economic and social progress. Both the leaders expressed grave concern over the situation in the Middle East; tragedies in Palestine, carpet bombing of Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and emphasized on the importance of addressing issues of human rights and humanitarian concerns of the international community.  Both the countries unwaveringly support a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the right of the peoples of Palestine and Israel to live side by side in peace, with dignity, and in safety within the pre-1967 borders.  Timor-Leste and Bangladesh support initiatives that uphold the principles of the UN Charter and contribute to a world where conflicts are resolved through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the values of the United Nations. 

Reiterating the importance of essential reforms before the national election, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has hinted that an announcement regarding the reform and election process will be made later this month, outlining how it will proceed and meet the expectations in line with the vision for a new Bangladesh. In an interactive session with the envoys of European countries at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Monday, Prof Yunus referred to the Election Reform Commission and said there are certain reforms that are required to finish before the election to avoid old-fashioned problems. Dr Yunus said they have to wait for the report to incorporate those proposals in the election process.  “If the government holds the election now, it will be an old-fashioned one and all the old-fashioned problems will come back.” Meeting between diplomats from EU member states, CA Dr Yunus underway Prof Yunus highlighted the interim government's commitment to building a new Bangladesh that requires new policies and a new institutional framework, and said the political parties are very interested in holding the election. "We are also interested in holding the election."

The meeting between diplomats representing 27 European countries, stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi, and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is underway. The meeting started at 12 pm at the CA’s office, according to CA’s press wing. Earlier on Sunday, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director General (Public Diplomacy wing) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said both sides will explore new areas of cooperation, in addition to discussion on the Rohingya crisis, GSP+ facilities in the post-LDC era and partnership and cooperation pact with Bangladesh. Indian FS Vikram Misri to brief media this afternoon The European Union (EU’s) trade relations with Bangladesh are based on unilateral trade preferences granted by the EU since 2001 under the GSP Everything but Arms (EBA) duty-, quota-free market access arrangement for the LDCs. This is the first time when 27 ambassadors from the European Union will come together to discuss with the government. CA Dr Yunus reiterates key reforms to hold free polls The reason for this meeting is to express the EU's support and develop high-level cooperation in the economic field. Twenty ambassadors from 20 European countries are based in New Delhi and seven in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday asked Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to address the disinformation campaign against Bangladesh being carried out from certain countries to undermine the July-August mass uprising. “There’s a massive disinformation campaign, and we are the sufferers,” the Chief Adviser told Meta’s director for human rights policy, Miranda Sissons, when the latter met him at the State Guest House Jamuna. Sissons explained to the Chief Adviser the human rights policy of Meta saying that they remained alert *to prevent anyone from using their platforms to spread disinformation. The Chief Adviser also asked Meta to make its technology more user-friendly for young entrepreneurs. Dr Yunus seeks religious leaders’ support for a fear-free Bangladesh “Technology is a tool to make things happen. But technology doesn’t decide what we want to do with things. So, we have to reengineer it to make it perfect,” he said. “With Facebook you have a tremendous amount of possibility. Facebook could be used to make young people entrepreneurs,” he said. Prof Yunus said the Bangladesh government would remain engaged with Facebook for the benefit of the country’s young population. 'We are all Bangladeshis': Dr Yunus tells religious leaders   Lamiya Morshed, principal coordinator for SDG affairs, Shazeeb M Khairul Islam, Chief Adviser’s personal secretary-2, Ruzan Sarwar, head of Meta’s public policy for Bangladesh and Nepal, Nayantara Narayan, Associate General Counsel of Meta, Alice Budisatrijo, Meta’s head of misinformation policy for Asia-Pacific were, among others, present at the meeting.

Apparently hinting at the campaign against Bangladesh abroad, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the entire world needs to be informed that Bangladesh remains united and whatever it achieved recently was gained through joint efforts. He sought suggestions from political parties so that Bangladesh can proceed towards the right path without making any mistakes. In his opening remarks at a discussion with political parties at Foreign Service Academy, Prof Yunus said an imaginary story is being spread about Bangladesh which is not limited to a single country but also to other big countries. The Chief Adviser laid emphasis on proving the perception wrong through joint efforts and establishing the truth. He said there are many people who do not apparently like 'new Bangladesh' though the government remains open inviting foreigners to come and see the situation on the ground. The Chief Adviser stressed the need for unity for the sake of the nation's interest, noting that they (who are campaigning against Bangladesh) are very powerful in terms of resources and arrangements. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus Briefing reporters after the meeting, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the key message of the meeting is that they will remain united for the sake of the country’s interest, its sovereignty and existence. “We will never deviate from this.”     Nazrul said there is no reason to think Bangladesh as “powerless, weak and submissive” and Bangladesh will remain united against any propaganda. “We will uphold our unity,” said the Law Adviser, adding that the entire nation remained united against India’s propaganda.  Advisers Adilur Rahman Khan, Mahfuj Alam, representatives from various political parties including BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami took part in the talks at the Foreign Service Academy that began after 4pm. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain were among the BNP leaders. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Gono Samhangti's Jonayed Saki, Nagorik Oikya's Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gono Odhikar Parishad's Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan also joined the meeting. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised On Tuesday evening, the Press Secretary hoped that the citizen groups, Bangladeshi diaspora, political parties and civil society would raise their voices against the massive misinformation campaign against Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said they are determined to build a Bangladesh where people are the true source of power and the nation will be recognised across the world as a beacon of humanity and benevolence. Prof Yunus also assured the freedom fighters, martyrs, martyred and injured students and others who joined the student-led revolution that the government would strive to build a prosperous future, using the sacrifices made by students and the common people as a foundation for a new Bangladesh. Marking the Armed Forces Day, the Armed Forces Division arranged the event in Dhaka Cantonment to accord reception to gallantry award winning freedom fighters and their inheritors. The Chief Adviser emphasised the importance of global collaboration to address the climate crisis, foster peace, and strengthen the global economy, while upholding friendly relations with all nations. “We will maintain friendships with all countries, built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. These principles will be the foundation of our foreign policy. It is crucial that we work together to combat the climate crisis and fortify global peace and economic stability,” he said. US team to reach Dhaka on Friday to discuss economic support and stability The Chief Adviser stressed the need for Bangladesh to move forward in tandem with global developments. "We must ensure that our young society, despite resource limitations, can contribute to nation-building by fostering creativity based on merit," he added. Reflecting on the contributions of the armed forces during the Great Liberation War, Prof Yunus recalled that on this day in 1971, the courageous members of the armed forces, together with the people of Bangladesh, launched a coordinated fight against the Pakistani occupation forces. “This marked the turning point in the struggle, leading to the victory that established Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation,” he said. It's in US' interest to see reforms succeed in Bangladesh: IRI regional chief Prof Yunus also honored the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs. “Today, I pay my deepest respects to all the brave souls who gave their lives in the War of Independence and pray for the forgiveness of their departed spirits,” he said. The Chief Adviser expressed his respect for the families of the freedom fighters and the war-wounded veterans present at the ceremony. On the recent student-led revolution, Prof Yunus said that a "new Bangladesh" was achieved on August 5, 2024, through the efforts of students and ordinary citizens. “Our responsibility now is to unite the people into one larger family,” he said. “Differences in opinion are natural, but we must never consider each other enemies due to those differences, be it ideological or religious.” He said that Bangladesh’s future should be one where all citizens are equal. "No one is above or below anyone else in the national life,” Prof Yunus said, reiterating the government’s commitment to fulfilling the dreams of the freedom fighters who envisioned a welfare state free from discrimination and exploitation. He wished peace, happiness, and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh, particularly the valiant freedom fighters and their families.

Seeking a good unity for the sake of the nation, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said a master plan is there globally and in every place and institution of the country to thwart and render this government ineffective. One of their major ill-efforts is to create division among them, he said in a 30-minute televised speech to the nation marking the 100 days in power. “The leaders of the fallen government, who have laundered a huge amount of money from this country, are trying to return to the country getting stronger with the laundered money. Do not let them succeed at all,” said the chief adviser. Desired elections on completion of necessary reforms: Dr Yunus   Prof Yunus said their (who are hatching conspiracies) success means the death of the nation and end as a nation. “Be careful. We need to defeat all their evil efforts through unity - the way you thwarted their gunshots, their ‘Ayna Ghar’ (mirror house), stay agreed on this and be united.” Prof Yunus said the minorities were subjected to violence in some cases but it was ‘completely exaggerated’. “When we took over the charge, Bangladesh was a completely unguarded country. At that time, there was an attempt to spread unnecessary panic among religious minorities,” he said. The chief adviser said the main reason for the few incidents of violence that occurred was political. We’ll seek repatriation of dictator Sheikh Hasina: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus said there was an attempt to destabilise Bangladesh afresh by giving a religious cover to these incidents. “With the cooperation of all of you, we have firmly handled this situation.” Within two months of taking the charge, the Durga Puja was celebrated in about 32,000 puja mandaps in the country, said the chief adviser.  An additional day of holiday was declared with the executive order on the occasion of Durga Puja. “We had taken extensive security preparations during Durga Puja and the Hindu community of the country celebrated their festival without any interruptions,” said the chief adviser. He said they are investigating every incident in the few cases where they have been subjected to violence since they took over the charge. Reforms aimed at ensuring ‘free, fair’ elections: Dr Yunus tells UK Minister Dr Yunus said they have tried their best to ensure that not only the Hindu community, but any person in the country is not subjected to any kind of violence. “And we will always keep trying.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday conveyed to UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West that the reform initiatives are aimed at ensuring “free and fair" elections in the country and to break away from the "rampant vote rigging" practiced by the previous regime. During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, Prof Yunus described his government's reform initiatives to fix the country's key institutions and the election commission. Minister West backed the reforms, saying Britain would like to see vibrant debates on the key aspects of electoral, judiciary and constitutional reforms. "Debates are very important." Dhaka seeks stronger cooperation with London for tracing, return of "stolen" wealth She said her government would extend “full support” to Bangladesh, including in its efforts to bring back billions of dollars of laundered money, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. "It is important to let you know that you've got our support," Catherine West said. The British minister said the United Kingdom would also extend its support to Dhaka's efforts to bring back tens of billions of dollars siphoned off abroad during Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year-long rule. Yunus thanked her, saying that returning money laundered by corrupt politicians, oligarchs and bureaucrats is a top priority of the interim government. He quoted a recent Transparency International Bangladesh report, saying that annually more than 12 billion dollars were siphoned off abroad. UK expects Prof Yunus to lay out his vision: Catherine West The minister announced £10.3 million of UK grant support to provide essential services and assistance to the Rohingya refugees, the host communities and those affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus reiterated his call for a "UN-overseen safe zone" for communities in Myanmar's violence-plagued Rakhine so that they don't have to flee across the border to Bangladesh and charities and aid groups can take food and assistance at the doorsteps of the displaced people. During the meeting, they also discussed geopolitical issues, minority rights, ties with South Asian neighbours, and Bangladesh's recent 40 megawatt energy deal with Nepal. Yunus said his government has fully backed the creation of a South Asia electricity grid to bring power from hydroelectricity-rich Nepal and Bhutan. Rohingya Crisis: "No light at the end of the tunnel yet" He said Bangladesh can ease off its reliance on fossil fuels if it can import renewable energy from the two Himalayan countries. He said Bangladesh needs collaboration with India to this effect. During the meeting, Sarah Cook, the British High Commissioner to Dhaka, said a UK medical team arrived in the country this month to treat students and other demonstrators who were critically injured during the July-August mass uprising. "They are conducting three surgeries a day," she said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon the interim government to shift its focus on holding a participatory and credible national election from any other issue, as per the desire of people. Speaking at a discussion, he also urged Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to remain alert so that people’s affection and respect for him are not diminished. “We need to give the government time and hope they will use it wisely.  Focus on the election without paying attention to other issues,” the BNP leader said addressing the government. He also said there is no alternative to holding a fair, neutral, inclusive and acceptable election to ensure the country's survival and progress. Because the greatest challenge we face now is to establish a democratic state. The BNP leader expressed hope that the government would arrange for an acceptable election within a reasonable timeframe, allowing the people to establish their parliament through their votes. "This is what the people want," he said. The National People's Party (NPP) organised the programme at Dhaka Reporter’s Unity (DRU) to mark its 17th founding anniversary. Fakhrul said the interim government has formed a search committee for the constitution of the Election Commission. “We expected that they (govt) would consult political parties before forming it, although we do not think this is a major issue, as we hope the committee will fulfill its responsibilities properly,” he said. The BNP leader hoped that the new election will arrange the election promptly. He noted that since the recently resigned Election Commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal, arranged the election in three months, the new Commission should be able to do the same, saying that "it is certainly possible if there is the will to make it happen." The BNP leader said they believe this government has no political agenda, as its head has clearly indicated that he has no political ambitions. “I want to say to Dr Muhammad Yunus that you are highly respected worldwide, and the people of Bangladesh deeply love and respect you. They want that to continue. My request is that you stay vigilant to ensure your position is not undermined,” he said. Fakhrul said the nation is facing a critical time, pointing out that the struggle for democracy continues amid various plots. He warned that the state would be in great danger if any imprudent actions were taken or mistakes were made out of mere emotion, as many efforts are being made to threaten the nation’s existence. "We must remember these words.” He observed that everyone must remain vigilant, as the fascists are still active. “Merely changing an individual cannot alter the entire structure of fascism.” He said the youth have brought change to the country through a bloody struggle and immense sacrifices. “It’s also their responsibility to maintain it... we have to resolve many problems that we have. Stating that the interim government is a non-political one, the BNP leader said it has come forward to help the nation. “But politicians have to resolve the problems, and no problem can be solved without politicians.” Fakhrul thanked the government for forming several commissions for state reform. “We hope the government will take the reports from the reform commissions, present them to the people, and take it forward. I want to make one thing clear: all reforms must be ratified by the people and accepted by them.” He warned that reforms will never be sustainable without people's participation, emphasizing that success cannot be achieved by imposing reforms from above. “Ayub Khan tried, Ershad tried, but it was not possible. Nothing can be done that conflicts with our country and the culture of the people.”