United News of Bangladesh

Noting global efforts that continue, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said global leaders must come together to ensure the safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homes in Myanmar. "The protracted crisis in Myanmar continues to threaten regional stability," he said while speaking at the opening session of the Earthna Summit. For years, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh has hosted over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, bearing significant social, economic and environmental costs. The UN Secretary-General recently visited the camps in a gesture of solidarity. Prof Yunus shares five key initiatives for sustainable future at Earthna Summit In today’s crisis prone world, the Chief Adviser said, wars and conflicts erode rights and disrupt economies.  "Peace and stability are fundamental prerequisites for any meaningful and sustainable development," he said. Prof Yunus said the world must not ignore the humanitarian crises that affect people from Palestine to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Impunity and blatant disregard for human rights are threats to development anywhere in the world, he said. The ongoing suffering in Palestine concerns not just a region but all of humanity. Palestinians are not expendable, Prof Yunus said. The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” is highlighting Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems. The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future. Bangladesh wants to be beacon of hope for the world, says Prof Yunus at Earthna Summit The Earthna Summit 2025 is exploring a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables. Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb is hosting a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has said Japan will continue to support resolving the Rohingya issue, including funding assistance and cooperation with the government and relevant agencies. “I understand the current situation in the camps impacted by the reduction of international support,” he said on Sunday commenting on his recent visit to the Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar. Witnessing the ongoing activities in the field recently, Ambassador Saida said he saw how the aid funds provided by the Japanese government were being maximised in the refugee camps through the Bangladesh government, UN agencies, and NGOs. As the crisis is turning into its eighth year, Japan said it is essential to keep the attention of the global community, while multiple emergencies have been taking place in different parts of the world. Bangladesh, China pledge enhanced cooperation linking Yunnan, Chattogram Since the large influx in August 2017, Japan has contributed over 250 million USD to various interventions in Cox's Bazar as well as in Bhasan Char through international organisations and NGOs. This assistance included food, healthcare, WASH, shelter, protection, and gender mainstreaming, said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. Besides,  in September, the government of Japan decided to provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) with assistance worth USD 1 million in response to the Flash Floods in northern and southeastern Bangladesh, including the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar. No govt-sponsored systematic discrimination against minorities in Bangladesh: Shafiqul Alam  “I am honoured to attend the inauguration of the JICA project, and I hope this new opening will improve living conditions of host communities,” said the Japanese Ambassador, stressing that Japan will continue to work toward the resolution of the Rohingya issue. Ambassador Saida visited the registration centre, food distribution centre, learning centre and teachers training centre, livelihoods skills development and production centre, innovation valley, women-led community centre, and community initiative society project site, and attended the inauguration ceremony of the JICA’s improvement of fish landing center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox's Bazar district project. He had meetings with the Refugee Relief & Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and the Armed Police Battalion (APBN).  

Acknowledging the difficult situation, Bangladesh has strongly conveyed to the United States that peace will not return to Myanmar even the war ends there unless the Rohingya problem is resolved. "If the Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace will not come to Myanmar even after the war ends. I strongly said this," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters on Friday referring to his discussion with the US delegation held on Thursday. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char Island. Talking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Adviser Hossain said they also conveyed to the US side that they are now in a new reality and in fact in new reality, they are now facing new neighbours; who are non-state actors. "So we cannot deal with them directly, nor we can ignore them. This is a difficult situation," he said. The Adviser said maybe at some point the problem will settle down and move towards a solution. Shared commitment to "forward-looking partnership" emerged: Islamabad about Dhaka "Then those who are our friends and powerful states will have to create pressure there," he said, adding that the Rohingys need to be seen humanely and their rights need to restored in Myanmar. The US delegation comprising of US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick and Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup met Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser and High Representative to Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin separately and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Adviser Hossain said Nicole Chulick highlighted bilateral issues while Andrew Herrup's focus was on Myanmar issues. Bangladesh sought greater political and humanitarian support from the United States to help address the Rohingya crisis. "We broadly discussed the Rohingya issue," Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin said on Thursday. Both sides expressed a "strong commitment" to further advancing the Bangladesh-US partnership to a "newer height" in the days to come.

Sweden has allocated $12.7 million (approximately Tk 155.4 crore) in humanitarian assistance through eight partners to support over a million Rohingya refugees, as well as host communities in Cox’s Bazar. The funding will be channelled through eight humanitarian partners, including the UNHCR, WFP, Norwegian Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee. It will be used to provide food assistance and nutrition, protection services, healthcare, emergency education, water and sanitation facilities, and support for survivors of gender-based violence and child protection. “This year, we are increasing our initial allocation compared to last year, because of growing humanitarian needs, not least in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar,” said Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks. Foreign Adviser calls for addressing expat issues at home before their arrival in destination countries “Sweden stands firmly with Bangladesh in responding to humanitarian needs in the country, including those of Rohingya refugees, just as we have for the past seven years,” Nicolas added. In addition, Sweden is partnering with Start Fund Bangladesh to enable 26 local and national organisations to respond to emergencies more effectively. The Swedish government said this funding reflects its commitment to good humanitarian donorship, helping the UN system respond strategically and swiftly in times of crisis. Sweden remains one of the world’s top humanitarian donors and a key provider of core support to UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

Bangladesh on Thursday sought greater political and humanitarian support from the United States to help address the Rohingya crisis in addition to raising the high tariff issues. "We broadly discussed the Rohingya issue," Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin said, adding that the upcoming election issue was also discussed. The US delegation comprising of US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Nicole Ann Chulick and Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Andrew R Herrup met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser and High Representative to Chief Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and the Foreign Secretary separately and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Both sides expressed "strong commitment" to further advancing the Bangladesh-US partnership to a "newer height" in the days to come. Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary Jashim said they also discussed the ongoing reform issues and steps taken by the interim government. The centrepiece of Bangladesh's actions is to significantly increase the imports of US agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, corn and soybean which will offer benefits to US farmers. Bangladesh has the lowest tariff on most US exports in the South Asian region. The Chief Adviser indicated further tariff cuts on US products are being fashioned, including top US export items such as gas turbines, semiconductors and medical equipment. Bangladesh will build dedicated duty free bonded warehouses for cotton to improve speed to market. Dhaka seeks Pakistan’s apology for 1971 genocide; demands 4.32bl, undivided wealth A separate letter detailing the actions by Bangladesh was sent by the Commerce Advisor to the US Trade Representative. Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi said, "I have further important discussions scheduled with the offices of USTR, Commerce and State department, in Washington DC next week."  The meeting with the Foreign Secretary discussed the key areas of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, development cooperation, and people-to-people connections as well as Rohingya crisis. Referring to the letter from the Chief Adviser and the Commerce Adviser, the Foreign Secretary indicated that government was considering a few measures to address the bilateral trade gap with the US. The US side flagged that 90-day is a very short time and concrete measures have to be taken and implemented before 09 July 2025 to resolve the issue. The Foreign Secretary said that Bangladesh does not consider 90 days pause as a stop and is actively utilising the time to find out ways in consultations with the stakeholders to deal with the new situation for the mutual benefits of both the countries. The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the country’s commitment to improving labor standards. Requested to Revisit USAID Funding Foreign Secretary Jashim requested to revisit the recent USAID funding cuts, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors, and sought support for Bangladesh’s inclusion at the US Development Finance Corporation. The US side noted the status, appreciated the progress and conveyed the authorisation of the Congress is needed in that regard.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now visiting Turkey, on Friday emphasised that accountability for the crimes against humanity perpetrated against the Rohingya community is a crucial factor in ensuring justice and the ultimate resolution of the crisis. He reassured that Bangladesh would continue to lend its unwavering support for the just cause of establishing an independent Palestinian state in accordance with multiple UN resolutions. On the sidelines of the ‘Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025’  Hossain had a meeting with Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim A.A. Khan KC and discussed the issue. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Türkiye and other senior officials from both sides attended the meeting.      Hossain expressed deepest sympathy over the suffering of the people of Palestine in the recent aggression. Top CICA official lauds Dhaka's role in confidence building in Asia The meeting discussed all aspects of engagements between Bangladesh and ICC. The prosecutor of ICC lauded Bangladesh’s unwavering stance for the cause of the international justice system, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The foreign adviser expressed Bangladesh’s continued support to the Rome Statute and to the ICC. He said Bangladesh’s interest in exploring tangible cooperation with ICC in training and skilling experts, academics, jurists. He appreciated ICC for its stance vis-a-vis on the situation in the Rohingya crisis and Gaza. Both sides agreed to further enhance the level of existing engagements in the coming days.    

Drawing a parallel between the prolonged Rohingya crisis and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, CA’s High Representative Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday said there is “our own Gaza (Rohingya) on our shoulders, yet there are no protests for it”. “At a time when Bangladesh is hosting an investment summit, protests against Israel erupted across the country, leading to vandalism and attacks on outlets of multinational corporations,” he said while addressing a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. The press briefing was organised to brief the media on key achievements of the sixth Bimstec Summit held in Bangkok from April 3–4. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir were also present. In response to a question about the message this sends to foreign investors, Khalilur Rahman observed, “Whenever we move to do something positive, sudden complications arise. There seems to be a pattern—a deliberate attempt to derail our good initiatives.” He went on to say, “The global conscience is outraged by what’s happening in Gaza, and it is natural for Bangladeshis to react. But what pains me most is that we already have a Gaza of our own—the Rohingya crisis. Yet there is no protest, no public discussion. Instead, we see people taking to the streets and engaging in looting. This must stop. We must first resolve our own issues.” Khalilur Rahman expressed disappointment over the apparent double standards in public sentiment, saying, “It feels shameful when I am asked abroad, ‘Why is there silence about the Rohingya crisis in your country while you rally for others?’ Are the Rohingyas any less Muslim than those in Gaza? We must understand our priorities.” Rohingya repatriation hinges on Arakan stability: Khalilur Rahman He called on the public to stand up for domestic challenges, saying, “Of course you may speak out about international issues, but first and foremost, stand for the crisis at home. Otherwise, we will fail to protect our national interests.” Meanwhile, on Monday, protests erupted in Bangladesh condemning the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. These demonstrations turned violent in some areas, leading to the arrest of 49 people involved in vandalism and looting. A statement posted on the Chief Adviser’s verified Facebook page confirmed that two official cases had been filed in connection with the violence. Police are reviewing video footage from the demonstrations to identify those involved and have pledged to continue their crackdown until all perpetrators are brought to justice. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have retaliated with relentless assaults on the Gaza Strip. South Korean investors plan big to invest in Bangladesh Over 50,000 Palestinians—most of them women and children—have since lost their lives. Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s historical commitment to supporting oppressed people worldwide, referencing the country’s own liberation struggle. “It is our moral obligation to stand with the persecuted. But let us not forget those suffering within our own borders,” he said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has met former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, seeking his valuable support in strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to the resolution of the Rohingya crisis to help bring a lasting peace to the region. The meeting was held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok on Friday. Prof Yunus also thanked the former Thai Prime Minister for his efforts to expand Thai-Bangladesh trade and cooperation during his time as the Prime Minister of the South East Asian nation. During the meeting, they also discussed the global trade issues and expansion of microcredit and social businesses in rural Thailand, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Prof Yunus also enquired about the health of Thaksin, an old friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate. Ready to provide further humanitarian support: Dr Yunus tells Myanmar PM Soon after taking office in 2001, then PM Thaksin visited Bangladesh and Grameen Bank with his colleagues and designed a microcredit programme for Thailand inspired by the success of the Grameen Bank microcredit programme. Dr Yunus had been invited by Mr Thaksin as the chief guest in the national launching of the programme that year. They also discussed the possible re-launch of the airline route between Chiang Mai and Chattogram, which had brought the flight time between Bangladesh and Thailand to one hour. Thaksin recalled then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia flying together from Chattogram to Chiang Mai on the inaugural flight. Hugely inflated, bulk of them were fake news: Yunus tells Modi over attacks on minorities Prof Yunus and Thaksin discussed other issues of mutual interest. The Chief Adviser sought Thaksin's support for Bangladesh's plan to become an ASEAN member. Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator of the Bangladesh government, was present during the meeting.

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday alleged that the government of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did politics over the Rohingya issue for financial gain. "Dr Muhammad Yunus, you are visiting Cox’s Bazar with the UN Secretary-General. Tell him openly that Sheikh Hasina has exploited the Rohingya issue for financial gain," he told a protest rally. Nagorik Odhikar Andolon organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest against "Indian aggression and propaganda against Bangladesh." UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon for a four-day visit and travelled to Cox’s Bazar on Friday morning to meet Rohingya refugees. Farroque, a former opposition chief whip in parliament, voiced concerns over the rising incidents of crime, violence and social unrest in the country, urging the authorities to take swift action to restore normalcy. "Why have muggings increased? Why do incidents of assault still happen? Why are women still being raped? Professor Muhammad Yunus and Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury should investigate who is behind these acts," he said. The BNP leader claimed that those who amassed illegal wealth during the Awami League’s rule are now orchestrating various untoward incidents and fuelling social unrest. "You (Professor Yunus) must fight against them. You will prevail in this fight, and we are with you," he said. Ill-efforts underway to divide political parties: Mirza Abbas Farroque said the unity forged among the country’s politicians and people during the July-August mass uprising must be maintained for the greater good of the nation. "We have to sustain this unity so that the sacrifices of Abu Sayeed and Mugdha do not go in vain," he observed. The BNP leader also stressed the need for national unity to restore democracy through a credible election. He urged Dr Yunus to arrange a national election as soon as possible to thwart conspiracies against the country. "We want the unity through which Professor Muhammad Yunus can facilitate a credible election in Bangladesh. People are now saying that you [Sheikh Hasina] are no longer capable of running the state. A conspiracy has begun. To put an end to this conspiracy, an election is necessary... arrange for that election," the BNP leader said. Farroque alleged that Sheikh Hasina indulged in widespread looting of national wealth before fleeing the country. "Sheikh Hasina has fled with 18 steel boxes filled with Bangladesh’s wealth—dollars, rubles, everything. Her ministers and associates have plundered the nation's resources," he alleged. Farroque urged India to withdraw its support for Sheikh Hasina, calling her a "fascist leader and a destroyer of democracy." "If India truly cares about Bangladesh and has genuinely supported our Liberation War, then Narendra Modi’s government should never stand by a dictator like Hasina," he said. Farroque also alleged that Sheikh Hasina is conspiring against Bangladesh to destabilise the country from India.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has said a dignified, voluntary, safe and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to the Rohingya crisis. Efforts to achieve this goal by helping create conditions for return to the areas of origin of the refugees, and the peaceful coexistence of communities living there, must be stepped up and supported, he said during his recent visit to Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has been an extraordinary host since the onset of the crisis, with local communities having shared the few resources they had with refugees,” said Grandi. He underscored UNHCR’s unwavering commitment to supporting over 1 million Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh as he completed a four-day visit to the country on Sunday. In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, Grandi commended the people of Bangladesh for their generosity in hosting the refugees for nearly eight years. Visiting the Kutupalong refugee camps near Cox’s Bazar, Grandi urged the international community to provide sustained financial support for the refugees, who live in highly challenging circumstances – vulnerable to natural disasters and almost entirely reliant on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. “With the passing of time and in the absence of a solution for Rohingya refugees for now, mobilizing resources remains both challenging and a priority,” Grandi said, urging partners not to forget Rohingya refugees. “If international support decreases dramatically – which may happen – the huge work done by the Bangladesh government, aid agencies and refugees themselves will be seriously impacted, putting thousands at risk of hunger, disease and insecurity.” Bangladesh seeks Philippines' support for Asean partnership, Rohingya crisis solution In Cox’s Bazar, the High Commissioner spoke to refugees who had recently arrived in the camps after fleeing the ongoing violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Intense conflict there in recent times has worsened the plight of the Rohingya, leaving many with no choice but to risk the journey to safety in Bangladesh. Grandi also sat down with community-based groups like imams, female religious teachers, and a group of mothers concerned about the violence in the camps. With few prospects for meaningful self-development and self-reliance, violence, crime, and other security issues have risen in the community. “All shared with me their longing to return to their homes, when the conditions for return are safe and allow for voluntary sustainable repatriation,” he said. “It is very important to support Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain security in the camps. We must also continue programmes for the most vulnerable, particularly women who have survived violence, and help young people to gain skills and resilience.” Speaking to young refugees at a skills training centre, the High Commissioner remarked on the need to strengthen livelihood and development opportunities inside the camps, where 52 per cent of the population are under 18. “They are trying to acquire skills, to get an education,” Grandi said. “They are trying to utilize the talents that they have to serve their community. If international assistance dwindles, their horizon becomes further limited. We must do our best to keep their hopes alive.” The camps in Cox’s Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char are, like the communities that host them, highly susceptible to cyclones, flooding, landslides and other weather shocks, including the risk of fire. Having witnessed the devastating consequences of a major landslide on the refugees, Grandi highlighted the need for core support for disaster risk reduction during meetings with Government partners. This is the High Commissioner’s sixth visit to the country. It comes as UNHCR, together with the Government of Bangladesh and other humanitarian partners, prepares to launch the 2025 Joint Response Plan detailing the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees and their host communities. Dr Yunus calls for making int'l conference on Rohingya crisis a big success In recent years, funding has remained a critical challenge, with previous response plans being insufficiently funded. “Nowhere more than in the Cox’s Bazar camps is the life-saving role of humanitarian aid clear,” Grandi said in a post on X reflecting on his visit.