Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sought support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in an effort to export fruits and farm products to China in a bigger way. The Chief Adviser met FAO Director General Qu Dongyu on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the coastal Chinese town where he made the request for support, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Professor Yunus said China is emerging as a top importer of agriculture and aquaculture products, but Bangladesh was unable to tap into the market due to a lack of understanding of the Chinese markets. FAO, Bangladesh join forces to make public spending key driver of productivity, prosperity He urged the FAO DG, who was a former senior official of China, to act as a matchmaker between Chinese importers and Bangladesh farm and fruit producers. "We need support in fruit processing and in vegetable preservation, storage and packaging. You can connect China with our farmers and exporters," Professor Yunus said. He said China would soon import mangoes from Bangladesh, and the country can easily develop more exportable vegetables and fruits with FAO's assistance. The Director General offered FAO's full support to Bangladesh, saying his organisation would take up a new project in an effort to export Bangladesh farm products to China. "We are matchmakers. We will establish a new network" between Bangladeshi and Chinese farm companies, Qu Dongyu said. He said Bangladesh is the largest recipient of FAO's assistance, and he wished that Bangladesh would do well under the leadership of Professor Yunus. FAO, Bangladesh to work together to accelerate food security "You are my older brother. I sincerely hope your country does great. We will help you, for sure, he said. Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Kabir Khan was also present during the meeting.  

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Thursday morning met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who is attending the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, and discussed issues of shared interests and mutual cooperation. The meeting was held at Bo’ao State Guest House and lasted for over 30 minutes. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, had separate meetings earlier on Wednesday with other foreign leaders who are attending the conference. Dr Yunus begins day at Boao with packed schedule; holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Chen Huaiyu met the Chief Adviser today (Thursday). After the meeting, he addressed the opening plenary of the Bo’ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 at the BFA International Convention Centre Zhang Jun, Secretary General of Bo’ao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Chairman of Bo’ao Forum for Asia and Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR also spoke at the session while Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, delivered the keynote speech. On the sidelines of the Forum, Dr Yunus held meetings with the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and the current Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, Ban Ki-moon, Alexei Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and the Director-General of FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization) Qu Dongyu. Themed "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future", the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 is being held here from March 25 to 28 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. Asia must strengthen cooperation as destinies are intertwined: Dr Yunus Boao is a coastal town in the city of Qionghai, Hainan. The Chief Adviser is on a four-day visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed confidence that the upcoming national elections would be the most free, fair and credible in Bangladesh’s history. “As I said before, and I say again, elections will be held between December this year and June next year,” he said in a televised address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr. He highlighted that the Election Commission has already begun preparations and urged political parties to engage with enthusiasm. CA to address nation this evening Dr Yunus also noted that the Consensus Commission is actively gathering opinions from all political parties. “The commission aims to identify common ground among political parties and compile a consensus-based document. The parties endorsing this will sign what will be termed the ‘July Charter,’” he explained. He assured that the government’s role is to ensure transparency in the entire process and facilitate the elections upon its completion.    

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements. "We are working very closely with Bangladesh...we are still discussing," he said when a journalist approached him after his meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said this is something between Bangladesh and China as the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. About the announcement, he said, "Wait and see. We are still working on it." Talking to reporters very briefly, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said no agreement will be signed during the visit, but a few MoUs are likely to be signed. Dr Yunus invites global investors to explore "extraordinary opportunities" in Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height. “This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen who met Dr Yunus on March 16. Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub "We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost exports from Bangladesh to the global market. He said there will be a series of engagements during the chief adviser's China visit. Ambassador Yao called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss the upcoming visit to China. Chinese solar panel giant Longi to invest in Bangladesh: Ambassador Yao Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Alam said the Boao Forum for Asia is called Davos of the East where top leaders of Asia and different countries and chief executive officers (CEOs) of giant global firms participate. On the sidelines of the forum, he said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies. Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold their first-ever bilateral meeting on March 28. Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. The chief adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at 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 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. 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. This will be most important visit by any Bangladesh leader, says Ambassador Yao ahead of Dr Yunus' visit “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. 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 organisations, ministerial-level officials, entrepreneurs of Fortune Global 500, and renowned experts and scholars have already confirmed their participation in the annual conference, Zhang said. Guterres: Societies "stronger, more resilient" in Bangladesh when everyone can play "meaningful role" 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.    

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps and preparations for holding peaceful elections in the country. Dr Yunus made the directives during a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and other officials concerned. Earlier, on March 17, the Chief Adviser had a special meeting with the field-level police officers where the police officers discussed the challenges and advantages they face in their duties. Wednesday's meeting focused on finding solutions to the issues raised by the field-level police. Dr Yunus outlined several immediate measures to improve conditions for police officers, particularly those at the grassroots level. CA Yunus invites Qatari businesses to invest in Bangladesh The key directives included reviewing the risk allowance to consider lifting the current ceiling; procurement of new vehicles, including 364 pickups and 140 prisoner vans for police use: disbursing funds for the completion of ongoing police infrastructure projects that are less than 70% complete; providing funds for acquiring land to replace rented buildings for 65 police stations and exploring interest-free loans to help Sub-Inspectors (SI) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) purchase motorcycles. Election to be free and festive, Dr Yunus tells US Senator The Chief Adviser also emphasised the need for classifying district police based on performance, with efforts directed toward improving the performance of lower-performing units.  

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.  

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday honoured outstanding women with "Indomitable Women’s Award-2025" for their significant contributions to various fields as part of government initiative to pay due respect and inspire them through recognising their contributions. The award giving ceremony was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city, marking the International Women’s Day. Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid chaired the event attended by members of the Council of Advisers, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, women leaders and senior government officials. Sharifa Sultana, Halima Begum, Marina Besra, Lipi Begum, Muhin Mohona, players of Bangladesh National Women Cricket team members are among the recipients of the awards. UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and Prof of Mass Communication and Journalism Prof Gitiara Nasreen spoke as special guests while Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mamtaj Ahmed, delivered welcome remarks. Dr Yunus stresses women empowerment for a developed Bangladesh A documentary was screened at the event. A powerful and emotional cultural event was also held highlighting July uprising. Earlier, Dr Yunus emphasised that the current interim government is diligently working towards the goal of building a developed Bangladesh by harnessing the potential and skills of women in productive work. "The women of Bangladesh will advance alongside the developed world to realize the vision of a prosperous Bangladesh. This should be our commitment to their development and empowerment," he said in a message marking International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8. This year’s theme is “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.” Dr Yunus highlighted the achievements of Bangladeshi women, noting that many girls from the country are making their mark on the international stage, gaining recognition beyond national borders. He also pointed out the numerous initiatives undertaken to honor women’s contributions, such as the Indomitable Women’s Award and the Begum Rokeya Padak. CA Dr Yunus Invited to attend World Meeting on Human Fraternity in Vatican City Dr Yunus noted the significant role women played in the mass uprising of July-August last year, where students, workers, and the public rallied for democratic transformation. "Women were at the forefront of this movement," he said. "Many have sacrificed their lives, and I respectfully remember those martyrs and offer my condolences to the July fighters." Dr. Yunus acknowledged that women represent half of the country's population and are making strides across various sectors. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, he mentioned, is carrying out numerous initiatives to increase women’s participation in all fields, including economic development. These include shelter homes for distressed women, Women’s Support Centers providing legal aid, housing for working women, and microcredit programs designed to foster self-employment and financial independence. These efforts contribute significantly to women’s social security and economic empowerment, he said. International Women's Day, celebrated worldwide, is a day to recognize women’s achievements irrespective of divisions such as national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political backgrounds. Since its inception, International Women’s Day has evolved into a global event, embraced by women in both developed and developing countries. The movement, reinforced by four United Nations women’s conferences, has helped shape the day into a platform for advocating women’s rights and encouraging their participation in political and economic arenas. Officially recognised by the United Nations in 1977, International Women’s Day traces its roots to the labor movements in North America and Europe at the turn of the twentieth century.  

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said a fugitive party is making every effort to unsettle Bangladesh. “This risk always exists. A fugitive party has left the country, or its leadership is no longer here. They are making every effort to destabilise the situation. So, this threat is constant—it exists at every moment, in every place. It is always there,” he told BBC Bangla in an interview published on Monday. Dr Yunus said this when the interviewer asked him whether there is any possibility of independence and sovereignty being at risk citing the Army Chief’s recent statement  that Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty could be threatened if everyone cannot work together. Dr Yunus calls for documentation of "atrocities" committed by past regime Replying to another question whether he is referring to the ousted Awami League as the threat, Dr Yunus said, “Absolutely! That is obvious! They are frequently making announcements, giving speeches, addressing the public. We all hear it. People are getting agitated.” “They are making public addresses, calling on people to rise, to take action. They are announcing programs—hartals, protests and so on.” Dr Yunus calls for making int'l conference on Rohingya crisis a big success “How do you think people will interpret this? Do you think everything will settle down peacefully just like that?” asked the Chief Adviser.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will discuss the issues of mutual interest, visa opening, enhancing manpower export; and trade and investment with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he left for Dubai on Wednesday evening to attend the "World Govern-ments Summit 2025." The Chief Adviser left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Dubai at 7:45pm, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy, Azad earlier said this will be a brief visit as the Chief Adviser will return home on Friday. Earlier, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum sent an invitation to the Chief Adviser, inviting him to participate in the Summit. Dr Yunus reaffirms commitment to upholding rule of law, welcomes OHCHR report The three-day World Governments Summit convened under the theme 'Shaping Future Governments.' It began on February 11 and brought together governments, international organisations, thought lead-ers and private sector leaders from around the globe to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges, ultimately inspiring and empowering the next generation of governments. The Summit is seen as a significant platform for Dr Yunus to share his insights on tackling global challeng-es and highlight Bangladesh's stance on key international issues. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam earlier said there is a possibil-ity of bilateral meetings between the Chief Adviser and the heads of state/government of different countries during the visit. Engage with “new Bangladesh”: Dr Yunus to global community He said the two friendly countries, Bangladesh and the UAE, have historically enjoyed good relations. This relationship has gradually consolidated based on economic cooperation and common political in-terests, he said. A large number of Bangladeshi expatriates living in the country are making an important contribution to the economy of Bangladesh by sending remittances, said the Spokesperson. He said bilateral trade in textiles, agricultural products and energy is also growing. Both countries are working together in international platforms such as the UN and the OIC and the UAE government is regularly investing in various important sectors including Bangladesh's infrastructure and health sector.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called upon the international community to engage with the “new Bangladesh” that emanated from the uprising led by the students and youth against an oppressive regime and discrimination. His prerecorded video keynote speech was broadcast at the 48th session of IFAD’s Governing Council (International Fund for Agricultural Development) at IFAD’s headquarters in Rome on Wednesday. While congratulating IFAD for its contribution towards reducing global poverty and inequality, the Chief Adviser recalled IFAD’s four decades of association with Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture and climate sector. Dr Yunus set to leave for Dubai to attend World Governments Summit He appreciated IFAD-supported projects that particularly empower the rural women in Bangladesh. Dr Yunus referred to his concept of ‘Social Business’ as a new dimension to rural development which creates a virtuous cycle where businesses thrive by addressing the needs of the community, thereby fostering long-term development. He drew a parallel between IFAD’s effort and the vision of a “3 Zero” world - zero poverty through non-wealth concentration, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions. Dr Yunus called upon the Governing Council of IFAD to invest more in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agricultural practices, and renewable energy solutions so that rural communities can thrive in harmony with the environment. He urged the Member States of IFAD to seize opportunities for the most vulnerable and build a better world where no one is left behind. Dr Yunus reaffirms commitment to upholding rule of law, welcomes OHCHR report The Chief Adviser also called on leaders to engage the youth and students who are the future leaders and change-makers. He mentioned that they have the creativity, innovation and passion to make a better world for them all. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended the council meeting as governor of the IFAD governing board and represented Bangladesh in the event, according to Economic Relations Division. Dhaka calls for renewed global commitment to financing, technology transfer for inclusive dev