Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday called for the implementation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ promise regarding the 13th parliamentary election. He made the remarks during a press briefing following a meeting with Nicole N Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, at a hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan area. “We had a candid discussion with the US delegation. They wanted to know about the current political landscape in Bangladesh, when and how the next election would be held, and what kind of reforms all parties are demanding,” said Dr Shafiqur Rahman. He said the US delegation enquired about their economic policy and foreign relations if they are to assume responsibility for the country in the future. “We had an open exchange on these topics.” The Jamaat chief said the US officials also raised concerns about minority rights, women’s rights and labour issues — all of which were addressed during the meeting. He urged the US administration to reconsider the 37% tariff imposed on Bangladeshi goods amid the current complexities and critical juncture the nation is facing. “We’ve requested that they convey this appeal to President Trump,” he said. About democracy, Dr Shafiqur said, “We practise democracy within our own party and wish to see democratic practices flourish across the country. We are prepared to do what is necessary to ensure that.” BNP to attend talks with Consensus Commission Thursday When asked about the timing of the next election, Dr Shafiqur referred to a promise reportedly made by Dr Yunus. “The Chief Adviser has said the election will be held either by December this year or by June next year. We hope it will take place within that timeframe — preferably before Ramadan.” He expressed concern about the monsoon season, which may bring natural disasters and potentially disrupt the electoral process. “That is why we want the election held before such risks materialise,” he added. On the issue of justice, Dr Shafiqur said, “The nation is traumatised. Many are still in hospitals, disabled from violence. Families of the martyrs are still grieving. Justice for the Awami League’s actions must be ensured. We want proper trials and punishment.” Also present at the briefing were Jamaat Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Porwar, Central Executive Committee member Mobarak Hossain, and the Ameer’s foreign affairs adviser Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said they are all looking for answers as the national independent investigation commission formed to re-investigate the 2009 BDR massacre, is expected to finalise its report by June this year. “We are all looking for answers. The commission must succeed in investigating this incident. This mystery must be revealed,” he said adding that the entire nation is looking at the commission.  Dr Yunus said the government would extend required cooperation to the investigation commission. The members of the investigation commission met the Chief Adviser at the State guesthouse Jamuna and informed him about the progress of the investigation. The commission expressed its expectation that the investigation report will be finalised by June, stating that the investigation process into the BDR killing is going on in full swing, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Election without trial of killers to be questionable: Asif Nazrul   Commission chief Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman said they are contacting various parties and since the incident happened 16 years ago, there has been some delay in contacting many of them. Many of the accused are staying abroad and the commission is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire about them. "We have interviewed some of the people in prisons. Some 23 people who need to be contacted for the investigation are staying abroad," Rahman said of them, eight persons have contacted them for an interview. The commission chief said they are investigating the pattern of killings and torture and after the DG was killed, the rest were killed. “This was a planned murder. Such a murder cannot happen without a plan. We have to find out its roots,” he said. High-level delegation to visit US next week: Commerce Adviser Commission member Major General (retd) Jahangir Kabir Talukder said not a single officer or employee has been removed after such a heinous incident. “No one has been held responsible. This is the failure of the intelligence agency, the military and a political failure.” Members of the commission Brigadier General Md. Saidur Rahman, Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Dr. M. Akbar Ali, Md. Shariful Islam, Shahnewaz Khan Chandan, and ATKM Iqbal were present.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh wants to enhance and further improve the relations with all the South Asian countries, including with India and Pakistan, while its foreign policy remains pro-Bangladesh. “Our foreign policy is a pro-Bangladesh one,” he told reporters while responding to a question regarding the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later this month. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing on LDC graduation at the Foreign Service Academy. Referring to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ repeated calls for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia during his conversations at home and abroad, Alam said Bangladesh wants improved relations with the Saarc countries.   “He (Dr Yunus) is seeking improved relations with all in the South Asian family. Pakistan is also part of the South Asian family. We want improved relations with India, Bhutan and Nepal, too,” said the Press Secretary.  He said the interim government has taken a decision to set up an economic zone for Nepal and is looking for land in the North Bengal area which is part of efforts to have improved relations with the South Asia family. Graduation: Bangladesh remains confident; Dr Yunus orders precautionary measures Alam said the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan is coming and there will be discussions on all issues of mutual interest. Before Ishaq Dar’s visit, its Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch will visit Dhaka on Wednesday to hold talks with her Bangladesh counterpart Md Jashim Uddin. Ishaq Dar’s upcoming trip to Dhaka will mark the first visit by a Pakistani Foreign Minister since 2012. On Sunday, National Security Adviser and Chief Adviser’s High Representative on the Rohingya issue and priority matters Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is now entirely its own, no longer reliant on any other country to shape it. "We are no longer reliant on any country to shape it. This marks a clear reflection of our strategic autonomy," he said while speaking at a seminar. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will pay an official visit this month. Asked about the issues to be discussed during the visit, Hossain said they will discuss all aspects of the relations.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday directed the officials concerned to take necessary precautionary measures to keep Bangladesh's every sector unaffected and ensure maximum benefits as the country remains confident to smoothly graduate from the LDC status. "We have already taken the decision….we have to move at full speed," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Dr Yunus as saying in a meeting with the experts that lasted for nearly two hours. The Chief Adviser at the high-powered experts committee’s meeting on LDC graduation also laid emphasis on constant monitoring by a dedicated team so that no turbulence is seen in this journey.  Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury said they have discussed all the issues and listed the precautionary measures. "We must have the conference," he said, citing examples of how other relatively weaker countries successfully graduated. He said they are confident that there will be no problems but there will be precautionary measures. Chowdhury said they are working on having a separate strong trade negotiating body as there is no such trade agency.  With pro-Bangladesh foreign policy, Dhaka wants improved ties with S Asia family Responding to a question, he said they are continuing their economic diplomacy and in economic diplomacy all things cannot be shared, noting that there are always challenges and opportunities. Chowdhury said the graduation process should be seen positively instead of thinking of stepping back. Chief of the high-powered experts committee Chowdhury made a presentation at the meeting followed by two hours of very intensive discussion, said the Press Secretary. Prof Yunus mentioned that Bangladesh would be a manufacturing and economic hub in the region, and discussed how it could be made this hub in a better way after the graduation from LDC status. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain, Commerce Secretary Sk Bashir Uddin, Education Adviser CR Abrar, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur were, among others, present at the meeting, he said. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was also present at the media briefing. Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a developing nation in November 2026. After the graduation, Bangladesh will become ineligible for almost all trade benefits, such as zero duty access, and strictly abide by the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs). Bangladesh will, however, continue to enjoy duty-free market access for three more years after its graduation to a developing nation in 2026. The extension was endorsed by 166 members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its Ministerial Conference held in Abu Dhabi a year ago.

Extending greetings to all on occasions of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said they are members of one family upholding harmony as the country is set to celebrate Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, on Monday. "Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way in line with their own customs and participate in this festival," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery. Dr Yunus said that despite differences in beliefs, religions and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and the various communities living across the mountains and plains of this country are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture and tradition. Spectacular drone show to light up Dhaka on Pahela Baishakh evening Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain; Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma; Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman; Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik; Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council Acting Chairman Prof Dr Sukomal Barua and International Buddhist Monastery Deputy Chief Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya also spoke at the event. Bangladesh Buddhist Federation hosted the programme with Venerable Dharmapriya Mahathera, the Deputy Chief Patriarch of Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council, in the chair. The Chief Adviser said the International Buddhist Monastery is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh. Since its establishment, he said, it has been playing an important role in issues related to the national interests of Bangladesh, including Buddhists. With respect to Gautam Buddha's message of non-violence and equality, Dr Yunus said this Buddhist Monastery has been carrying out various public welfare programs including preserving the religious, social and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh and providing technical education.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, met with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday and discussed strategic investment opportunities in Bangladesh, particularly in the country’s port and logistics infrastructure. The meeting, held at the State Guest House Jamuna, followed an earlier conversation between the two in Davos, where the DP World chief had expressed interest in investing in the New Mooring Container Terminal in Chattogram. The proposed investment aims to reduce congestion at Chittagong Port, lower carbon emissions, and significantly boost the efficiency of Bangladesh’s key maritime gateway, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. “This is a land of opportunities,” said Chief Adviser Professor Yunus. “Come to Bangladesh, and let’s make this happen,” he said. Sultan Sulayem reaffirmed his company’s commitment, stating, “We are looking forward to this partnership. Your prosperity is our prosperity. From Chattagram to Dubai to Africa—this is our shared dream.” The chief adviser urged DP World to consider broader collaboration in Bangladesh’s growing sectors, including fisheries, agro-processing, and halal meat exports. He also underscored the importance of ensuring proper skills development for Bangladeshi workers. “It is our responsibility to provide proper training to our workforce, and we will make sure it happens,” Professor Yunus assured. India stops transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo The DP World chief responded positively, stating, the UAE authorities were actively working on visa facilitation, and overall support, especially for skilled workers from Bangladesh. He also revealed DP World’s plan to introduce a “Bangladesh Mart” in their home country, following the success of their Chinese and Indian trade marts. “We want to showcase Bangladeshi products—wood, marble, agricultural goods—and bring them to the world,” he added. Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, who also attended the meeting, noted, “We are working on resolving the visa issues for general Bangladeshi citizens, and we hope a solution will come soon.” The meeting was told that the two UAE companies had recently recruited nearly 500 workers from Bangladesh. DP World, a leading global logistics company based in Dubai, is known for its expertise in port development, maritime services, logistics, and technology-driven trade facilitation. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday sought greater collaboration with the United Kingdom in strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare system. The issue was discussed during a meeting with UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Baroness Rosie Winterton, held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Regarding the timing of the next general election, the Chief Adviser reiterated that if political parties agree on a shorter reform process, elections could take place in December, according to Chief Adviser’s press wing. “But if a more extensive reform path is chosen, the election can be held by June,” he added. There’s fresh impetus for Bangladesh-UK to work more closely : British trade envoy Highlighting Bangladesh’s pressing need for a skilled healthcare workforce, Prof Yunus said, “We currently have a shortage of nurses. But nursing is not just a national concern—it’s a global necessity. We want to train more nurses not only for Bangladesh but also for the world.” The Chief Adviser invited UK support to strengthen Bangladesh’s under-resourced health sector and noted that the government-run health programmes are nearly non-functional.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday morning joined the main event of the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025, a milestone event, reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and long-term growth. Advisers, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Finance Adviser Dr Salahuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), among others, are present. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are also joining the event where Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi welcomed all. Five companies and individuals will be honoured for their significant contributions. Among them, Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung will be honored with lifetime honorary award and citizenship, a senior official told UNB. Bangladesh opens 4-day Investment Summit amid hopes of boosting FDI   Since domestic investors are major drivers, leading businessman Syed Nasim Manzur will also speak as the government wants to know local investors’ views. Through the four-day Summit, began on April 7, Bangladesh is listening to foreign investors to know how they view Bangladesh investment climate and how Bangladesh can further improve this. Participants from over 40 countries including China, the UK, the US, Singapore, South Korea, Australia and India are among the global participants. On April 7, a big group of investors visited the Korean Export Processing Zone and Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram. On April 8, the foreign participants visited the Japanese Economic Zone at Araihazar. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus recently said there has never been a better moment to explore the extraordinary investment opportunities in Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh has undergone profound transformations with a forward-thinking investment climate. "We are committed to ensuring a level playing field for all our investors," said the Chief Adviser in a message to global investors. Investment Summit: Bangladesh eyes significant progress around investment climate Dr Yunus said the Summit is a gateway for investors to have more data driven insights. "Come and witness the potential that Bangladesh holds for you. And join us in shaping the future of investment in one of the world's most dynamic economies."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s commitment to the Artemis Accords will enhance the country’s engagement with NASA and the international community. “By signing the accords, Bangladesh builds upon an important foundation for the open, responsible and peaceful exploration of space,” he said. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) congratulated Bangladesh as the 54th nation to commit to the safe and responsible exploration of space that benefits humanity. Dr Yunus to hold breakfast meetings with Chinese, Korean investors to fast-track investment Bangladesh and NASA signed the Artemis Accords, marking a significant step in non-military space exploration.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced on Tuesday that he would host a breakfast meeting for both the Korean and Chinese investors to address any investment-related concerns and fast-track their investment in Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser made these remarks during a meeting with a group of Chinese investors at the State Guest House Jamuna. At least 30 prominent Chinese investors, representing major global companies in sectors such as infrastructure, power, transport, renewable energy, textiles, mobile telecommunications, waste management, logistics, and IT services, attended the meeting, said Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam. Earlier in the day, several dozen South Korean investors also met with the Chief Adviser. BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed also attended the meeting. The investors are visiting Bangladesh to participate in the ongoing Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. Prof Yunus said the investment climate, trade and labour-related reforms introduced by the Interim Government would attract more foreign investment to Bangladesh and facilitate the relocation of more Chinese and South Korean manufacturing plants to the country. Hasina’s extradition issue raised but nothing finalised: Foreign Adviser “Over the last eight months, we aimed to make it easier to invest in Bangladesh. The country has never had such a conducive environment for foreign investment before,” said the Chief Adviser. He added that the Executive Chairman of BIDA (Bangladesh Investment Development Authority) would host monthly breakfast meetings with Korean and Chinese investors on the 10th of each month. While the meetings will be hosted by BIDA, the Chief Adviser will attend some of them to listen to a wide range of issues raised by the investors. The Chief Adviser also proposed establishing a dedicated hotline and call centre service for foreign investors to register complaints and resolve issues promptly. “Any investor can call this number and register their complaints, and we will respond accordingly,” he said. The delegation was led by Pauline Ngan, Vice President of Mainland Headgear Company Limited, one of the largest companies in the world. Prof Yunus also shared details of his recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where President Xi expressed his administration’s commitment to encouraging top Chinese companies to invest in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Manila to boost bilateral cooperation “I was touched by his gesture,” the Chief Adviser said of President Xi. Officials from the Chinese companies expressed interest in investing in both the dedicated Chinese economic zone in Chittagong and the planned Chinese economic zone in Mongla, where China is set to modernise a seaport. Several companies indicated their intention to establish Bangladesh as their South Asian production and operations hub, responding to the Chief Adviser’s call to transform the country into a top global manufacturing center. “We have a readymade market here, and in addition, you can cater to landlocked countries such as Nepal and Bhutan,” Prof Yunus added. Some of the larger Chinese companies also expressed interest in investing in electric vehicle (EV) transition, lithium-ion battery production,  renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, and offshore photovoltaic solar power generation.