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.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday sought the Philippines' support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of Asean and for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. The issue was discussed when newly appointed Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh Nina Padilla Cainglet met Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions focused on the bilateral trade and investment, direct air connectivity, renewable energy, education, nursing education, agricultural and pending bilateral instruments between the two countries.  Ambassador Cainglet informed that the Philippines is preparing to convene the 3rd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) soon to discuss the existing bilateral issues and new areas of collaboration. Experts tell Dr Yunus: Bangladesh can attract big investments in renewable energy, carbon market Ambassador Cainglet expressed her keen interest to work on the issues of mutual interests between the two countries. The Foreign Adviser assured her of all possible support and extended best wishes for a successful tenure in Bangladesh. Both reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Philippines relations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh had to accept over 60,000 Rohingyas under certain circumstances through various unofficial channels, including border-related corruptions, despite its decision in principle not to allow any new arrival from Myanmar. “We had a position in principle that no new arrival one will be allowed. No one was allowed formally. Another thing we need to keep in mind that there is huge corruption in the border. And it is true,” he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his recent informal consultation at the ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries. The six-nation consultation was held in Bangkok on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. The meeting was attended, among others, by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Than Swe. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser Responding to a question, Hossain said the Rohingyas are not entering Bangladesh through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop. Asked about a potential new influx of Rohingya refugees, he dismissed such possibility. "I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," Hossain said. Meanwhile, speaking at a seminar on Sunday morning, Adviser Hossain said they are aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7 plus years. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, he said. Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the Foreign Adviser said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights." It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, he said. “I had the scope to talk in details as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly,” Hossain told reporters at the foreign ministry.     Take action-orinted initiatives, harness technology: Prof Yunus tells D-8 members “If Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace and stability that you are thinking of will never be achieved,” he said, while conveying Bangladesh’s position during the meeting in Bangkok. Hossain also said if the Rohingyas, mostly young people, cannot be given a hope and if no light is seen at the end of the tunnel, they will become desperate and they will do desperate activities. “I made it clear to them.” The Foreign Adviser said offenders are on the both sides of the border and in the Rohoingya camps and they made huge money through illegal activities. If these issues are not addressed, peace cannot be achieved, he said.  Hossain informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under their control; rather it is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. “As a state, we cannot engage with a non-state actor. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine." In Bangkok, Hossain reiterated the call for a "comprehensive roadmap" for Rohingya repatriation with priority attached to ensuring stability in Rakhine State. Dhaka seeks ‘comprehensive roadmap’ for Rohingya repatriation He urged ASEAN and other key regional actors to play a further proactive role in restoring peace, security, and democracy in Myanmar. “Bangladesh has every interest to see lasting peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar, and a conducive environment in Rakhine State for the Rohingya to have confidence to go back there in safety and dignity," Hossain affirmed.

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said they all understand that the solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis is "political" and said they should work with Dhaka to promote a ‘Whole of Cox’s Bazar’ approach. "All of us, Bangladesh, the EU and most importantly the Rohingya themselves, wish to see returns. But, conditions for safe, sustainable, voluntary and dignified return do not currently exist," he told UNB, sharing his experience of visiting the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar recently. EuroCham launched, seen as new milestone in Bangladesh-EU business relations In the meantime, therefore, an "evolution" is needed in the response to allow more work on resilience, said the Ambassador. This means, according to him, giving due consideration to allowing the construction of sturdier shelters that will make donor funding last longer, and for which there is a series of prototypes currently being tested. "It should also mean exploring how to promote greater resilience for the refugees and opening up digital education to avoid a situation in which desperate people are vulnerable to crime, exploitation and recruitment to fight in Myanmar," Ambassador Miller said. EU allocates €300,000 in humanitarian aid to gutted Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps The European Union recognises the burden borne by Bangladesh in hosting the Rohingya refugees, he said. Bangladesh is hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. In 2024, the EU has allocated EUR 43 million in humanitarian funding for the Rohingya response, for immediate disbursement, and a further EUR 35 million in development funding for the next three years. "We are supporting both the refugees and host communities. This is why I visited Cox’s Bazar in October to understand what the situation is on the ground, to listen to Bengalis (Bangladeshis) and Rohingya and to consider how to maximise the impact and sustainability of our financing," said Ambassador Miller. President seeks global support to solve Rohingya issue "Security, or rather insecurity", was the number one topic that he heard in the camps, he said. "Outside the camps, we have worked, and continue to work, to promote a dynamic economy at the interface between the local economy and the camps. I only heard positive noises on our cooperation, reinforcing my sense that we should work with Dhaka to promote a ‘Whole of Cox’s Bazar’ approach," the EU envoy added. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently proposed organizing an all stakeholders’ international conference on the Rohingya issue. "It has already received widespread international support," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam. He expressed hope that this high-level conference will build political consensus on a realistic framework for the sustainable repatriation and reintegration of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen on Sunday said his country will work with Bangladesh at the international level to resolve the Rohingya crisis. He made the pledge during a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.  The Turkish envoy met Fakhrul and discussed bilateral issues and the upcoming national election in Bangladesh. The meeting, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, began around 4pm at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office. Dhaka voices “deep concern” over recent influx of 40,000 Rohingyas BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obed were also present at the meeting. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Khosru said they covered a range of issues, including the Rohingya crisis. He recalled that Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu were the first foreign dignitaries to visit the Rohingya camps in 2017, shortly after Myanmar's persecuted citizens sought refuge in Cox’s Bazar. Foreign aid for Rohingya programmes drops: Roundtable “Turkey has shown strong commitment to the Rohingya people and resolving the crisis. They have continued their cooperation through providing healthcare and donations for the Rohingyas," the BNP leader said. Khosru said the Turkish envoy informed them that his country will work with Bangladesh at the international level, particularly through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to resolve the Rohingya crisis in the future. "I hope we’ll be able to do that.” During the meeting, the BNP leader mentioned that the discussion also touched on Bangladesh's upcoming general election. "Every foreign friend has the same question: when will the election be held? We told them what we usually say," he said. He said the international stakeholders are waiting to decide on their future engagement with Bangladesh, depending on the restoration of a democratic order through an elected government. "Turkey has an interest in this, and they also wanted to know when the election will be held.” Khosru shared that Turkey is considering setting up a cultural centre in Dhaka in the near future. He said they also discussed how to enhance trade relations between the two countries by improving people-to-people and business-to-business connections. Besides, the BNP leader mentioned that Turkey plans to offer discounted treatment packages for Bangladeshis who wish to seek medical care there. "Many Bangladeshis are already going to Turkey for treatment, and Turkey wants to encourage this further. The standard of medical treatment in Turkey is comparable to that of Western countries," Khosru said. He also said the Turkish envoy expressed a willingness to assist Bangladesh in building capacity across various sectors and supporting institutional reforms, including within the Election Commission.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called for an “urgent attention” to the Rohingya crisis, including convening an international conference, to find a sustainable solution to the crisis and ensuring “safe and dignified” return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar. “We cannot ignore the people who continue to be persecuted, uprooted and subjected to gross violations of human rights in the Rakhine State (Myanmar) or Gaza. No person, regardless of their number or identity, is expandable,” he said in a message marking the United Nations Day being observed on October 24. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char with the new arrivals of 40,000 Rohingyas recently. United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. Prof Yunus seeks increased Turkish investment as Dhaka ready for business Prof Yunus called for reforming the UN to make it more inclusive, transparent and responsive to deliver to the aspirations of all people in an evolving global landscape. He said Bangladesh calls for decisive UN action to protect the civilian children, women and men; and dialogue towards securing peace in Gaza and Lebanon and the wider region. “On this Day, Bangladesh renews its commitment to work with the international community to build a more just, peaceful, and equitable world, in our 'shared interests'. Together, we must redeem our pledge to realize dignity and rights for everyone,” said the Nobel laureate who is heading the interim government of Bangladesh. On this United Nations Day, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, he extended their cordial felicitations to all women and men of the United Nations family the world over and reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. For eight decades now, Prof Yunus said, the United Nations has been fostering peace, safeguarding human rights, and promoting sustainable development. Govt committed to identifying , solving children's issues for their healthy growth: Prof Yunus In a time marked by unprecedented challenges-- climate change, conflicts, inequalities -- the delivering on the UN's mandate is more critical than ever. “Emerging issues like responsible use of AI as also ensuring beneficial access to technologies across nations, call for enhanced role of the UN system in ensuring peace, stability and harmony, for all,” he said. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh draws satisfaction over its active partnership with the UN system, particularly as the third largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations. “Our commitment to peace, justice, and equality remains rooted in our national ethos, as seen in our people's ongoing quest for justice, most recently demonstrated in the People's Revolution led by our students and youth,” he said. As a people, Prof Yunus said, they remain firmly committed to multilateralism. “Be it sustainable development or trade or addressing the climate crisis, vulnerable countries like Bangladesh and the global South need a rule-based multilateral system,” he added.  

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on May 21-22 to strengthen their bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and find ways to boost cooperation for regional peace, prosperity and security. Issues related to promotion of trade and investment, sustainable and renewable energy production, Rohingya crisis, maritime security, technology transfer and free and open Indo-Pacific region are likely to be discussed during her visit, officials said here on Sunday. Penny Wong is likely to have a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apart from holding a bilateral meeting with her Bangladesh counterpart Hasan Mahmud, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. A small delegation including Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan will accompany the Australian foreign minister, he said. The Australian minister is likely to visit the Rohingya camp during her visit to see the situation there. Bangladesh seeks Australia’s support in keeping the Rohingya issue alive globally with a view to the ultimate repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh. Australia has a commitment to continue the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas and support Bangladesh in their repatriation effort. Wong was born in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Her family moved to Australia in 1976, when she was eight years old, and settled in Adelaide. The forthcoming visit by the Australian foreign minister demonstrates the country's growing interest in Bangladesh, an Australian diplomat told UNB. Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he looks forward to working with PM Hasina to strengthen the bilateral relationship and together contribute to regional peace, prosperity and security. US wants to rebuild trust between Dhaka and Washington leaving behind tension: Lu “As Indian Ocean nations, we share an interest in a region that is grounded in sovereignty, promotes the prosperity and security of our citizens, and addresses the threat of climate change," he said in a letter written to PM Hasina congratulating on her reelection in January. The Australian PM highlighted the importance of their partnership in promoting "peace, prosperity and security" in the Indian Ocean. He affirmed his support for growing bilateral and regional cooperation between Australia and Bangladesh. “We have many common interests in increasing our trade and investment, promoting human rights, cooperating on people smuggling and addressing the Rohingya issue,” Albanese wrote. Bangladesh and Australia have already signed a framework agreement to open newer trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA), the first of this kind between Australia and Bangladesh in the last five decades, is expected to provide a platform for institutionalised economic interactions and open newer opportunities for trade and investment. In May last year, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts visited Bangladesh. During the visit he said Bangladesh and Australia work closely together to promote their shared interests in regional peace and security, and have a growing trade and investment relationship. Lu in Bangladesh: Sets politics aside, tries to reach out to people Welcoming Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, he said Australia seeks a region where “no country dominates, and no countries are dominated,” and the country thinks building a region like that requires efforts by all countries in the region. “We welcome the Bangladesh government’s Indo-Pacific Outlook in that context. I particularly welcome the point in the Indo-Pacific Outlook that argues for an inclusive region,” Watts said while responding to a question from UNB in a group session at that time. Australia recently sent a defence advisor to its High Commission in Dhaka, and, reciprocally, they welcome a defence advisor from Bangladesh in Australia. From Australia's perspective, the defence adviser is a symbol of their "intention and willingness" to cooperate on defence matters. The two countries are scheduled to hold the 5th Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Australia next month, said an official. The 4th FOC was held in Dhaka in March last year. The two-way trade now stands at around $4bn, reflecting Bangladesh’s significant economic growth and its highly complementary commercial strengths Donald Lu highlights importance of adaptation; protection of coastal people

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday called upon the international community to urgently find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis to commence safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation as shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk. "It is the collective responsibility of the international community to find a durable solution to this crisis in its place of origin in Myanmar. Further delay to commence safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation and shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk," he said. The president said this at the inauguration ceremony of 18th East Asia Summit at Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capital. IORA Secretary General pays courtesy call on President Shahabuddin in Jakarta He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sheltered 1.2 million forcibly displaced people from Myanmar on humanitarian ground. Even in the 7th year of the crisis, there is no solution in sight whereas Bangladesh is pushed to the limits. The president said Bangladesh wishes to enhance its relations with ASEAN and institutionalize it by becoming ASEAN's Sectoral Dialogue Partner. "There are many sectors including trade, investment, trans-national security issues, climate change where ASEAN and Bangladesh can cooperate. If we get ASEAN's Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, there would be mutual benefits in many areas through increased economic cooperation, access to regional markets, strengthened regional integration, exchange of knowledge and best practices, enhanced regional security cooperation; and cultural and people-to-people exchanges," he added. President Shahabuddin joins ASEAN summit opening ceremony in Jakarta President Shahabuddin said this status would open up ample opportunities for both sides and promote Bangladesh's relations with ASEAN. Saying that the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has evolved into an important regional forum on shared values and mutual cooperation, he said it has provided a platform for cooperation in six priority areas and two cross-cutting issues with possibilities for even more. "The region — linked by commerce for centuries — is still at the center of global trade and investment flows. IORA can reap benefits from most of the emerging connectivity options and ASEAN is on top of this list," he added. President Shahabuddin in Indonesia to attend ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit He said he is elated to see the institutionalization of co-operation between ASEAN and IORA and warmly welcomed the newly signed Mol between them. "I believe it will be an important mechanism to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation," he also said. He mentioned that Bangladesh has made significant contributions in preparing the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific during its Chairship. He also believed that IORA's engagement in the Indo-Pacific region would ensure a fair, equitable and sustainable trade and investment environment that would enhance economic growth and cooperation while building resilient regional and global value chains. The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a regional forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian and Oceanian regions, based on the ASEAN Plus Six mechanism. Membership expanded to 18 countries including Russia and the United States at the Sixth EAS in 2011. The first summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 14 December 2005.      

Appreciating Japan’s continued assistance in infrastructure development, Bangladesh has sought Japan’s support in resolving the Rohingya crisis considering its good relations with Myanmar.  “On behalf of the people and the government of Bangladesh, we hope that Japan will step up efforts to help resolve the Rohingya crisis,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said while speaking at a programme on Bangladesh-Japan relations as the chief guest. Read: China hopes Bangladesh would make good use of preferential loans, GDI and South-South Cooperation Fund: Ambassador Yao Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori spoke as special guest and FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam spoke as the guest of honour at the discussion held at Japanese Embassy, marking the official launch of the Pan-Asia Research Institute (PARI). Former ambassadors of Bangladesh to Japan Jamil Majid and Ashraf-Ud-Doula; Apex Footwear Ltd Managing Director Syed Nasim Manzur; Dhaka University International Relations Department Chairperson Dr Lailufar Yasmin; Foreign Ministry’s East Asia and Pacific Wing Director Sayem Ahmed; JICA Bangladesh Senior Representative Eiji Yamada; Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka (JCIAD) President Tetsuro Kano; and Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) Secretary General Md Anwar Shahid were present as panelists. At the event, Shahriar Alam mentioned the investment, presence of a growing number of Japanese companies and cooperation in the Matarbari project. Read: Further delay in commencing Rohingya repatriation may put entire region at risk: Bangladesh Govt “We see these brilliant infrastructure projects supported by Japan as solutions to many of the problems the country and its people have been facing,” he said. Earlier, the government of Bangladesh said drastic reduction in humanitarian assistance for the persecuted Rohingya population, which is growing with around 30,000 newborns every year in the camps, is compounding the crisis. Further delay to commence safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation and shortage of humanitarian support may put the entire region at risk, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said. The socio-economic, demographic and environmental cost of sheltering more than 1.2 million Rohingyas for such a long time is pushing Bangladesh to the limit, the ministry said. These forcibly displaced people have aspirations and rights to return to their homeland in a safe and sustainable manner. Read: US to pursue justice for Rohingyas and all people of Myanmar: Blinken The state minister said the achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are absolutely phenomenal and such achievements come with some challenges. “Bangladesh needs to uphold the high aspirations of the people. We have delivered so much and people will be expecting us to do even more to double what we have achieved over the last 50 years,” he said. “It is not going to be easy. Only friends like Japan can help us to achieve that goal,” Shahriar Alam said. He said Bangladesh and Japan will surely work collectively and walk together on the journey for achieving a mutually beneficial future for both countries and their peoples. The state minister said Bangladesh and Japan have presently more than just a G2G (government-to-government) partnership. Read: Rohingya Genocide Case at ICJ: US shares info with The Gambia “It is growing every passing day, and today it includes C2C (country-to-country), P2P (people-to-people) and B2B (business-to-business) ties. Most importantly, P2P partnership is playing a vital role,” he said. From here, the newly-launched think tank PARI can significantly contribute to the improvement of the Japan-Bangladesh relationship, he hoped. “Our country being rich in all the three aspects is considered to be a vast market for Japan,” said the state minister. Bangladesh has been elected one of the four candidate countries of the newly established Official Security Assistance (OSA) to deepen military ties, said the Japanese Ambassador. "This shows how much importance Japan attaches to Bangladesh," he said. Apart from “Official Development Assistance (ODA)” which aims for the economic and social development of developing countries, Japan decided to establish a new cooperation framework “Official Security Assistance (OSA)” for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations by providing materials and equipment as well as assistance for infrastructures development based on the security needs of the countries. OSA is referred to in the new “National Security Strategy” approved by the Cabinet on 16 December 2022. Ambassador Kiminori said a common dedication to promoting peace and stability in the area and beyond characterises the relationship between Japan and Bangladesh. To do this, both countries place an emphasis on cooperation, making diplomatic efforts and working together to address regional security concerns, he said. The connectivity and overall relationship between Japan and Bangladesh will therefore improve as a result, said the ambassador. According to the Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh, PARI and similar research institutions can serve to improve ties between Japan and Bangladesh. On the other hand, new facilities will also improve Bangladesh's connections with Japan, he added. Speakers at the event highlighted people-to-people connectivity as the key factor in materialising Japan-Bangladesh strategic partnership. Trade barriers to foreign direct investment (FDI), investment-friendly business climate, skills development for harnessing the scope for manpower migration, Japan’s assistance in plugging the potential of the blue economy and marine resources should also be in focus, they said. PARI, a Japan-based multi-modal Asia and Pacific-focused think tank, was launched in Bangladesh through the roundtable discussion styled ‘Materialising Japan-Bangladesh Strategic Partnership: Diplomatic, Economic and People-to-People Relations’. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) director (local investment promotion) Md Arifur Rahman, Prof. Mohammed Ansarul Alam of Institute of Modern Languages at Dhaka University, Bangladesh IKEBANA Association president Shahinoor Baby, Kokorozashi Japanese Language School principal Okabayashi Kuniaki, Hiroki Watanabe of Ekmatra, Kazuko Bhuiyan Trust manager Masudur Rahaman, The Financial Express senior news consultant M Aminul Islam and Dhaka University student Fahmida Binte Faruque, among others, also delivered speeches as discussants during four different sessions. Read: Sixth year of genocidal attacks against Rohingya:  A UN expert demands accountability for the violence  PARI president Yuji Ando, PARI vice-president Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan Jun and PARI executive director Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun moderated the sessions. A host of panelists, including noted Japanologists, academics, bureaucrats, journalists, cultural activists and representatives of youth organisations, also joined the flagship event. PARI carries out multi-stakeholder research and analytical works on a whole gamut of socio-political, economic, business interests and bilateral as well as multilateral diplomatic issues with particular importance to the changing geopolitical reality of the pan-Asia region.