United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s development will gain further momentum through strengthened cooperation between workers and employers. In a message marking both the Great May Day 2025 and National Occupational Health and Safety Day, Prof Yunus emphasised the pivotal role of worker-employer harmony in driving the nation's economic progress. “May Day holds immense significance in fostering economic growth through friendly and collaborative relationships between workers and employers,” he said. This year’s May Day theme, “Workers and Employers United—Let’s Build This Country Anew,” reflects the importance of unity in achieving sustainable development, the chief adviser noted. Prof Yunus reiterated his belief that workers and employers are essential partners in nation-building. “Their joint efforts can create a strong, self-reliant, and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. He highlighted that behind the progress of every sector—garment, agriculture, industry, construction, transport, and technology—lies the dedication and hard work of both workers and employers. Settle talks with foreign investors quickly to boost Ctg port capacity, directs CA “To rebuild the country, we must cultivate an environment of unity, mutual respect, and trust,” he said, adding that if this spirit of cooperation continues, the dream of a discrimination-free, inclusive Bangladesh can become a reality. Prof Yunus also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring fair recognition and social protection for all workers. “A safe and healthy work environment is not just a right—it is fundamental to industrial and economic growth,” he added. On this historic occasion honoring the dignity and rights of working people, Prof Yunus paid tribute to all workers, especially those who sacrificed for labor rights. He concluded by wishing success to all programs organized in observance of May Day 2025 and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2025.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to return home from Rome, Italy early Monday. The Chief Adviser left Rome on Sunday, a day after joining the funeral mass of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City and is scheduled to reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:30am (Monday), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Prof Yunus visited Rome from Doha, Qatar wrapping up his four-day official visit where he attended the Earthna Summit and had a series of meetings with the Qatari leadership, including the Prime Minister of Qatar. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, among others, accompanied the Chief Adviser during the funeral of Pope Francis, who was an "amazing" human being. Senior leaders of the Catholic Church — Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi and Cardinal Jacob Koovakad — met separately with Prof Yunus on Saturday shortly after the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis. The two cardinals recalled Pope Francis’s lifelong mission to champion the causes of the poor and marginalized, his efforts to eradicate poverty, and his vision of a world without war or nuclear weapons. They deeply appreciated Professor Yunus’ work, describing him as a close friend of the late Pope and thanking him for dedicating his life to the fight against poverty. Dhaka wants regional peace; prefers Delhi-Islamabad talks to ease tensions Professor Yunus reminisced about his long association with Pope Francis, saying the Pope had the ability to embrace everyone, regardless of their religious background. He recalled meeting Pope Francis many times during his pontificate and highlighted how one of his critical letters to the Holy See — addressing the need to reform the Vatican Bank — was published on the front page of the Vatican’s official newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. "I wrote about how the Vatican should reform its bank to make it more friendly to the poor. I was critical of its performance and controversies. Yet, the Pope published the entire letter," he said. Professor Yunus shared how Pope Francis appointed him to chair several committees focused on reforming the Vatican’s banking practices and expanding the Church’s pro-poor initiatives. In November, the Vatican launched the Pope Francis–Yunus Three Zero Clubs in Rome, aimed at promoting Professor Yunus’s vision of a world with zero unemployment, zero wealth concentration, and zero net carbon emissions. "I am a Muslim. Yet Pope Francis never objected to his name being used alongside a person from a different faith," Professor Yunus noted. He also recounted being honored with the Torch of St. Francis of Assisi by the Catholic Church for embodying the spirit of the 13th-century Italian mystic and saint. "He never treated me as an outsider," Professor Yunus said, reflecting on his rich memories with the late Pope. Cardinal Tomasi and Cardinal Koovakad mentioned that the College of Cardinals, of which they are key members, will meet next week to elect the next Pope. Both cardinals are seen as potential candidates for the Church’s top leadership position. Meeting with Cardinal Tomasi Cardinal Tomasi, a longtime former Permanent Observer of the Holy See in the UN offices in Geneva, called on the Chief Adviser on Saturday. Cardinal Tomasi, who recently visited Southeast Asia, discussed geopolitical issues with the Chief Adviser. Both leaders praised Pope Francis’s efforts to call for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. "Southeast Asia is evolving too fast," he said, reflecting on his visit to Vietnam, which has been clocking robust growth in recent years. He stressed more peace-building measures in the region and staying calm in times of tension. Professor Yunus also praised Vietnam's spectacular economic growth, saying his government was trying to emulate the South Asian nation in its efforts to attract more foreign investments and turn Bangladesh into an economic hub. Cardinal Tomasi said he hoped the next Pope would "keep the informality of Pope Francis" and "promote dialogue of peace among countries." Meeting with Cardinal Jacob Koovakad Earlier in the afternoon, Cardinal Koovakad, who is the Vatican Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, called on the Chief Adviser at his hotel in Rome. Cardinal Koovakad, who is from the Indian state of Kerala, announced that the Catholic Church in Bangladesh would host an interfaith dialogue in September this year, bringing together leaders from various religions. Professor Yunus emphasised the importance of continued dialogue among people of different faiths in Bangladesh. He highlighted the country's commitment to religious harmony and the interim government’s efforts to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, creed, color, or gender.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday attended the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square and paid his last tribute to the Pope. The Chief Adviser was greeted by senior officials of the Vatican as he entered St. Peter's Basilica, where the mortal remains of the Pope were lying in state, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Prof Yunus stood in solemn silence in front of the coffin to pay his last respects to the late Pope Francis. He then joined the two-hour-long funeral mass along with leaders of the world's more than 130 countries. Ahead of the funeral and after the service, the Chief Adviser exchanged greetings with some of the world leaders, including the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, former US president Joe Biden, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, Kenyan President , Montenegro President, Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, President of Ecuador, President of East Timor, Prime Minister of Honduras, President of Iceland, President of Portugal, the King and Queen of Belgium, Prime Minister of Belgium, Prince Albert of Monaco, Prince and Princess of Norway, Prime Minister of Tunisia, Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein, Director General of WHO, President of IOC Tomas Bach, foreign ministers of Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Syria, former US secretary of state John Kerry. Pope Francis was laid to rest Saturday following the funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by presidents, princes and as many as a quarter-million more. Late Pope Francis was the big admirer of the Prof Yunus’ work for the marginalised people across the globe and his vision for a three zero work where there will be no unemployment, no poverty and zero carbon emission. The Vatican also launched a joint Three Zero Initiative in Rome with the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus visited Bangladesh House in Rome on Friday and signed visitor’s book, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Azad told UNB. An hour after his arrival in Rome from Doha, Qatar, the Chief Adviser visited St. Peter Square on Friday afternoon to pay homage to the mortal remains of Pope Francis. Prof Yunus' presence represents a significant tribute to the memory of the Pontiff, with whom he had established a deep and genuine bond, founded on shared values and a common vision for humanity. The Chief Adviser was received by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy and the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vatican City. He will depart the Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport around 8:00 am (12:00pm Bangladesh Standard Time) on Sunday and is expected to reach home in the early hours on Monday, Azad said  

Appreciating the government efforts to support the remittance fighters abroad, expatriate Bangladeshis in Qatar sought a number of measures from the interim government, including reduction of cargo charges from Bangladesh. In a session with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Doha on Thursday, the Bangladesh community leaders sought initiatives to facilitate easy migration for Bangladeshi professional job seekers in collaboration with Qatari government. They also sought prompt legal assistance to expatriates from the embassy and new and bigger premises for Bangladesh Embassy in Doha. Modernisation of the existing school and building of a new English medium school, end to harassment for tax issues and charging remittance fee based on income.    The Chief Adviser listened to all these issues and assured them of full cooperation from the government. He asked the senior officials to note and  take necessary actions to address the issues and concerns of the expatriate community.  Prominent Bangladeshi business in Qatar Md Alamgir Hossain Ali said expatriates should no longer be harassed at the airport. He said the diasporas should be served with due respect and compassion while entering or exiting the country. Prof Yunus leaves Qatar for Vatican to pay last tribute to Pope Francis Ali, who is living in Qatar for over 34 years, also raised the demand for the introduction of a separate immigration service, especially for those traveling with their families, so that they can enter and exit the country easily, safely, and with dignity. "Prof Yunus listened to us very attentively and provided logical, humane and future-oriented answers to each point. His speech clearly reflected the brilliance of leadership, sweetness of heart and love for people," Ali told UNB after the meeting. All the expatriate leaders present were happy, inspired and confident after listening to his words, Ali said, adding that his (Prof Yunus) promise has lit a light of hope among our expatriates. "When an international personality like Prof Yunus Sir pays attention to the problems and possibilities of the expatriates, then the expatriates feel respected, not neglected," he said. Welcoming the expatriate community, the Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to them for their hard work and efforts in keeping the positive image of the country in Qatar and for managing time to attend the event  despite their busy schedules. He extended sincere thanks and appreciation for their contribution to the national economy and to the country's development activities by way of their valuable remittances. The Chief Adviser hoped that with their help and cooperation, the interim government would be able to meet the challenges facing the economy and carrying out the reform initiatives and rebuilding processes undertaken by his government. He called them the assets of the country and asked their counsels and suggestions to the building of the new Bangladesh where all can live in a free society with honour and dignity. Prof Yunus arrives in Rome to pay last tribute to Pope Francis The Chief Adviser also urged the businessmen to come to Bangladesh with their knowledge, expertise and money, and invest in booming sectors. In his brief comments, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain shared his observations regarding the existing and future state of manpower market in Qatar and outlined the prospect of sending skilled workers/professionals in Qatar. He highlighted several initiatives of the present government taken for the overall wellbeing of the expatriate community abroad. He also addressed the concerns of expatriates and assured them of efforts to resolve such issues. The Foreign Adviser instructed the embassy officials to extend legal assistance for the expatriates in getting their rights as well as proving all support services including  e-passport service, consular services etc. In his intervention, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan shared with the meeting as to how the interim government paid lending dues left by the last government, including the 254 million dollar LNG dues to the Qatari government. He urged the expatriate community to send more remittance to the country to keep alive the battered economy. The Bangladesh community members appreciated Prof Yunus' leadership in putting the country back on track with improved overall economic performance. During the programme, the Community leaders drew attention to the following issues: During the community meeting, the Chief Adviser was also accompanied by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Nazrul Islam, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, senior officials from the Mission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Around 100 expatriates, including academics, doctors, businessmen, investors and professionals, attended the event.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Rome, Italy on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis and pay his last tribute to the Pope. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder confirmed Prof Yunus' arrival in Rome. An hour after his arrival in Rome from Doha, Qatar, the Chief Adviser visited St. Peter Square on Friday afternoon to pay homage to the mortal remains of Pope Francis. Heads of state and royals started converging on Rome on Friday for the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square. US President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are among the leaders arriving Friday, the last day Argentine pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin is sealed in the evening in preparation for his funeral Saturday, reports AP. The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns. His presence represents a significant tribute to the memory of the Pontiff, with whom he had established a deep and genuine bond, founded on shared values and a common vision for humanity. Foreign journalists laud Prof Yunus for leading Bangladesh interim govt successfully The Chief Adviser was received by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy and the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Vatican City. Earlier, the Chief of Protocol of the State of Qatar, Ibrahim bin Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, saw off Prof Yunus at Hamad International Airport in Doha as he departed for the Vatican around 12:25pm (Bangladesh Time). His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City, will offer an official greeting to the chief adviser and the Bangladesh delegation at St. Peter Square. On Saturday, at around 9:30 am, Prof Yunus will again visit St. Peter Square to attend the Funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis, Azad said. He will depart the Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport around 8:00 am (12:00pm Bangladesh Standard Time) on Sunday and is expected to reach home in the early hours on Monday. Late Pope Francis was the big admirer of the Prof Yunus’ work for the marginalised people across the globe and his vision for a three zero work where there will be no unemployment, no poverty and zero carbon emission. The Vatican also launched a joint Three Zero Initiative in Rome with the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate.

Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Thursday conveyed to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that he would designate one of his close aides to take the relationship with Bangladesh to a new height. The Qatari Prime Minister, one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East, also urged the Bangladesh leader to send a technical team to Qatar to hold discussions on a wide range of cooperation. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar at his office in Doha and discussed issues of mutual interest. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, also the foreign minister of Qatar, expressed his full support for the leadership of the Bangladesh Chief Adviser and he assured him all possible help to rebuild the country. "We count on your continued leadership," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told Professor Yunus, expressing his confidence that Bangladesh would come out of this reform and rebuilding process much stronger in the years to come. The Chief Adviser sought full diplomatic, financial and investment support for building a New Bangladesh, including creating new opportunities and a prosperous future for the country's nearly 180 million people, notably its young population. "We need your support to build the country of the dream of our youth,” Professor Yunus said. The discussion also centered on the Rohingya crisis, with the Chief Adviser calling for all possible support "to make sure Rohingya people can return home with dignity." Qatar Foundation pledges support for female athletes in Bangladesh The Chief Adviser also thanked the Qatari Prime Minister for helping organise a high-level dialogue on the Rohingya crisis on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit. The Qatari Prime Minister appreciated Bangladesh's role in hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees in the country. He called for mobilising more international support to resolve the crisis. He reiterated the continued support of Qatar to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to sustainable resolution of the issue. The two leaders also discussed the Gaza situation. Professor Yunus expressed his regret that much of the world is still silent over the plight of the Gazans. The Prime Minister of Qatar expressed his appreciation of the position of Bangladesh on this issue. The Bangladesh Chief Adviser also thanked Al Jazeera, which he visited yesterday, for covering the Gaza crisis despite enormous challenges. The Chief Adviser sought Qatari support for Bangladesh's female sports athletes, including providing training and building facilities for them. Don't do anything that might contribute to wealth concentration: Prof Yunus He invited the Qatari Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time—a request gladly accepted by Sheikh Mohammed. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Afffairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, attended the meeting.

Describing the young people as the most powerful generation in human history, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday encouraged them to imagine and dream big and turn themselves as ‘three-zero persons’. "I feel very comfortable when I visit any university campuses. I feel rejuvenated. You are the most powerful generation in human history. I feel this honestly. You are the supermen and superwomen," said Prof Yunus, who created microcredit, invented social business and earned a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in alleviating poverty. The Chief Adviser visited Qatar University in the morning and delivered an inspirational speech on the topic titled ‘A World of Three Zeros’. He encouraged the students not to do anything that might contribute to wealth concentration but to dream and imagine creating a new world by getting out of a self-destructive approach. Want to be world’s top manufacturing country: Prof Yunus At the beginning, Prof Yunus was given an honorary award for his outstanding contributions to global humanity. Prof Yunus, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and bestselling author of Banker to the Poor, offered his vision of an emerging new economic system that can save humankind and the planet. "Keep trying to reach the destination. But you must have to dream and imagine. You have to have a dream," the Chief Adviser told the Qatar University students. "If you imagine, it will help. Don't ignore imagination," he added.

Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today (Thursday) to discuss the issues of mutual interest, as both countries eye stronger economic cooperation. "Qatar's Prime Minister is a hugely respected person globally. We expect that the meeting will be a successful one," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB ahead of the meeting. He was appointed Prime Minister on 7 March 2023 and Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday morning (10:50am, Doha time). Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md Nazrul Islam will also attend the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and the Qatari Prime Minister. The Chief Adviser visited Qatar University on Thursday morning and delivered an inspirational speech on the topic titled "A World of Three Zeros."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held a closed-door meeting with several prominent foreign investors in the Qatari capital, aiming to attract investment in some of the country’s key sectors. Addressing the investors, the Chief Adviser said the interim government aims to transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing and economic hub, welcoming all forms of foreign investment. Want your partnership, says Prof Yunus urging Qatari investors to invest in Bangladesh "We want to be a top manufacturing country in the world," he said, emphasising that his government is offering one of the most attractive investment climates in the region. The gathering included notable figures such as a former Deputy Prime Minister of the Maldives, a member of the Malaysian royal family, a former Malaysian minister, a Qatari royal family member, top bankers and several wealthy non-resident Bangladeshis. The investors expressed interest in exploring opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, waste management, energy, banking and tourism—particularly in the resort district of Cox’s Bazar. The Chief Adviser encouraged the investors to visit Bangladesh and engage in discussions with the relevant agencies. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the meeting.

Seeking greater a investment and stronger economic cooperation, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday offered a dedicated exclusive economic zone for any kind of investment, including plants for defence equipment, as the South Asian country wants to emerge as an economic and manufacturing hub for mutual benefits. "You can set up your factories in Bangladesh," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted the Chief Adviser as conveying to the Qatari side during his meetings. Alam said it can be anything -- any factory -- labour intensive factory or defence equipment factory. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing. Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister Dr Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani met the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Defence and discussed the issues of cooperation between the two countries. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was given a ceremonial guard of honour by Qatari Armed Forces ahead of the meeting with Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs. Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Al Thani also the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce was also present. Prof Yunus to leave for Rome Friday from Doha to attend Pope Francis' funeral The Chief Adviser called for deeper economic cooperation with Qatar, inviting Qatari investment across key sectors and offering an exclusive economic zone in Bangladesh dedicated to manufacturers from the kingdom. During a high-level meeting and luncheon hosted by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Dr Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Chief Adviser emphasized  Bangladesh’s readiness to facilitate Qatari industrial ventures through streamlined investment opportunities and infrastructure support.