Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday left for China on four-day official visit through which Dr Yunus thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened. A special China Southern flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1pm. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen had a brief meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the airport before his (CA) departure. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed and CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser. Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and Vice Governor of Hainan Province will receive the Chief Adviser upon his arrival at Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport at around 7pm, a senior official told UNB. "I will meet with President Xi Jinping. I will also meet with CEOs of major Chinese businesses," Dr Yunus said ahead of the visit. The bilateral meeting will be held at the Great Hall of China on March 28. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Dr Yunus said the world's largest Chinese solar panel manufacturer Longji has expressed interest in setting up a factory in Bangladesh. "We are working with them. In addition, technical assistance, medical assistance, low-cost treatment and other issues will be discussed," he said, adding that they (China) want to import mangoes, jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh. "This will start very soon." Bangladesh and China are set to sign several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping prepare to hold a bilateral meeting in Beijing on March 28. The bilateral cooperation documents are likely to be signed in the areas of human resource development, economic and technical assistance, cultural and sports cooperation and cooperation between the media. Besides, announcements related to economy, investment and economic zones are likely to be made, said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. The two leaders will discuss various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment promotion, cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, among other matters of mutual interest between the two countries, said the Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary said China is Bangladesh's best friend, closest neighbor, strategic partner and one of the largest commercial and development partners. Bangladesh and China enjoy excellent diplomatic relations, which are deepening, he said, adding that this year the two countries have undertaken programs to celebrate the 50 years of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations. The Foreign Secretary said the visit would add a new dimension in Dhaka-Beijing relations with further momentum. The Chief Adviser will attend roundtable discussions on Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment; Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities; Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus’ visit to China would be "very successful, productive and a milestone visit" with some announcements. Dr Yunus' scheduled visit to China from March 26-29 is going to be the “most important visit” by a Bangladesh leader over the last 50 years, as the two countries are eyeing to take the relations to a new height. “This is going to be the most important visit by a Bangladeshi leader in 50 years,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, quoting Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen who met Dr Yunus on March 16. Alam said a big focus will be given on relocation of Chinese factories to Bangladesh to make the country a manufacturing hub. Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus "We want to create a revolution in the manufacturing sector," said the press secretary, adding that it helps create more jobs and boost exports from Bangladesh to the global market. He said there will be a series of engagements during the chief adviser's China visit. On the sidelines of the forum, Alam said, the chief adviser is likely to have meetings with CEOs of some companies. Dhaka and Beijing are eyeing stronger ties, marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations. The chief adviser will attend a programme on March 29 at Peking University and will return to Dhaka at night (same day). As per the plans, the chief adviser will first attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province.

Stressing the need for eliminating corruption, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said Bangladesh has no future unless corruption is eradicated. "Like the people of our country, the international community also wants us to be free from corruption because they seek to expand trade with us. Without eliminating corruption, business and trade cannot thrive. Bangladesh has no future unless corruption is eradicated," he said in a televised speech to the nation this evening.  He said the interim government prioritises ensuring a corruption-free administration. Beyond maintaining transparency during the tenure of the current government, it is committed to establishing systems that will prevent future administrations from corruption, the chief adviser said.  "Corruption not only inflates costs to an unimaginable extent but also distorts all institutional structures. Government policies, institutional frameworks, and officials’ responsibilities, however well-documented, become meaningless in practice. The country operates under an unwritten system, forcing the government, businesses, investors, and every citizen to comply with it," he added.  Upcoming election to be most free, credible in Bangladesh’s history: Dr Yunus Dr Yunus said the government is focusing on minimising physical interactions between citizens and government offices to combat corruption and bureaucratic harassment. “As part of the prevention of corruption, a decision has been taken to introduce e-filing in all government offices.”  E-filing will reduce corruption by providing real-time tracking of files within offices, he said, adding, “The government is working to implement online services in all sectors where digital access is feasible. Citizens are often forced to pay exorbitant sums to access essential services. We are committed to ending such financial exploitation and harassment."  The chief adviser urged citizens to provide feedback on how to simplify online services and encouraged individuals to email their suggestions.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok, Thailand early next month. “On the meeting that you asked, a bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He made the remarks at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Bimstec Summit. Responding to a separate question, the MEA Spokesperson said Bangladesh-India relationship is a wide canvas and they have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues - development cooperation, economic matters and on issues of connectivity. Earlier, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming Bimstec Summit in Bangkok. Dr Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit, to be held on April 4 in Bangkok, raising hope for a first-ever in person meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines. Rohingyas are victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness: Prof Yunus Thailand will host the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BImstec) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of Bimstec there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. Bimstec consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explained, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh. Dr Yunus is scheduled to leave Dhaka on March 26 for China and both the countries are looking forward to a bilateral meeting on March 28 in Beijing between the two leaders – Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday and briefed him on the country’s overall security situation. During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, the army chief also briefed the Chief Adviser about the ongoing activities of the Bangladesh Army, said an ISPR media release. He also discussed various measures taken by the army to support national development and stability. General Wakar-uz-Zaman also apprised the Chief Adviser of his recent visit to the Central African Republic and hoped that the trip would strengthen bilateral relations and military cooperation between the two countries. Dr Yunus directs authorities to take necessary preparations for peaceful elections The army chief also provided updates on the recent high-level review and recommendations regarding justice for previously deprived army officers. He also informed the Chief Adviser about the progress of the ongoing senior-level board evaluating the cases of dismissed Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks. The Chief Adviser was also apprised of Bangladesh Army’s initiatives in providing medical treatment to students and civilians injured during the July-August mass uprising. The Chief Adviser appreciated the role and contributions of the army and provided necessary guidance for its future activities. He expressed the hope that the Bangladesh Army would continue to uphold professionalism and dedication in ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar. He invited Qatari businesspeople to invest in Bangladesh and relocate their factories to the country's many economic zones. "Bangladesh is now ready for business. We want Qatari businessmen to explore opportunities here in Bangladesh," Dr Yunus said, adding that Dhaka would hold an investment summit in early April. Qatar has extended its full support to the reform agenda of Bangladesh's Interim goverment, the ambassador of the rich Gulf kingdom of Qatar, Seraya Ali Al-Qahtani, said. Ambassador Al-Qahtani called on Dr Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, where he conveyed the message from his government. "Qatar is eager to provide all sorts of support to Bangladesh," the Qatari ambassador told the chief adviser. Election to be free and festive, Dr Yunus tells US Senator "This is wonderful," Prof Yunus said, thanking the Qatar Emir for the support and for being a close friend of Bangladesh. The Qatari ambassador appreciated the invitation, saying he hopes more business people from his country will visit Bangladesh very soon. Yunus highlighted the reform agenda of his government and the work of the consensus commission to hold dialogue with the political parties. He said he is expected to visit Qatar next month to attend an international conference in the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concluded his Ramadan solidarity visit on Sunday morning, expressing his hope that Bangladesh would become one of the most perfect democracies in the world through reforms. Guterres left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:55am on Sunday. UN chief voices “concern” over disinformation targeted against Bangladesh: Foreign Adviser Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief Adviser's High Representative for Rohingya issue Khalilur Rahman saw him off at the airport. Before his departure, the UN Secretary General spoke to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus over the phone and exchanged farewell greetings, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Before leaving Dhaka, Guterres expressed his total solidarity with the efforts that Bangladesh is taking in order to introduce reforms that will make Bangladesh "one of the most perfect democracies" in the world. During his visit, the secretary-general met with top officials, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus; Foreign Adviser Md Towhid Hossain, and High Representative Khalilur Rahman. He visited the Rohingya camps to share Ramadan Solidarity Iftar with about 10 million Rohingya when he was accompanied by the Chief Adviser. He also joined a roundtable discussion on reforms, met with Bangladeshi youth representatives and members of the civil society. Guterres, who arrived in Dhaka on March 13, said Bangladesh can count on full support of the UN in its way to provide its citizens a set of institutions which will be able to guide the country towards "sustainable and inclusive" development. During iftar and early dinner hosted by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Saturday, Guterres expressed his deep admiration to him and his team for the work they are conducting. He reiterated that Bangladesh can count on the UN's full solidarity in mobilis.ing all their capacities to support the reforms in Bangladesh. Guterres highlighted Bangladesh’s support to the United Nations and its mission, particularly in peacekeeping. Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with thousands of soldiers serving in some of the world’s most dangerous environments. UN chief acknowledges people’s hopes for democracy, justice, prosperity “I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers,” he said. Regarding Bangladesh's efforts to support over 1 million Rohingya refugees, Guterres said Bangladesh's generosity is "absolutely outstanding". "You have been a remarkable example....that should be followed," said the UN chief.

Noting that this is a ground zero for the impact of budget cuts on people in desperate need, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said the international community has an obligation to invest now in that aid for people who have already suffered so much. In this holy month of Ramadan, he appealed to the international community to show solidarity through action and concrete support for the Rohingya people and their Bangladeshi host communities. "We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024. That would be an unmitigated disaster," he said at Camp 20 Extension Ukhiya, stressing that people will suffer and people will die. When Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived at the camp at 5:35 pm, they were greeted by Rohingyas waving their hands. Both Dr Yunus and Guterres responded warmly. Later, they joined ‘Ramadan Solidarity Iftar’ with one lakh Rohingyas. UN chief promises to ensure funds for Rohingya humanitarian aid UN agencies — as well as many humanitarian and development NGOs — are confronting the prospect of enormous funding cuts, Guterres said before joining Iftar with the Rohingyas hosted by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Rohingya camp. This will have a direct and dire impact on people – on whether they have enough food to survive, on basic health care, on other essential services and protection, he said. The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid, Guterres said. "Here it is clear, budget reductions are not about numbers on a balance sheet. Funding cuts have dramatic human costs," the UN chief said, adding that ultimately the solution must be found in Myanmar.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday visited the under-construction Cox’s Bazar International Airport to inspect its progress. During the visit, he was briefed by officials of the Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) regarding the latest work progress. UN chief Guterres reaches Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar According to CAAB officials, 95 per cent of the construction work has been completed, with the remaining tasks expected to be finished by December this year. The Chief Adviser was also informed that the airport is expected to handle 40 to 50 flights a day once it becomes operational.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived here in the sea-front town on Friday afternoon to attend a number programmes, including a tour to the Rohingya refugee camp. Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Protik received them upon their arrival at Cox’s Bazar International Airport at around 12:55pm. UN Under-Secretary General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) Rabab Fatima, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying them. The chief adviser will visit the under-construction Cox's Bazar International Airport and the Khurushkul Climate Refugee Center before visiting the Rohingya camp. The UN chief will share an Iftar with the refugees, to be hosted by Dr Yunus. The UN chief and Dr Yunus will meet with Rohingya refugees who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Myanmar. They will also meet with the host Bangladeshi communities who have been so generous in hosting them. Count on UN to help build sustainable, equitable future for all: Guterres tells Dr Yunus "Every Ramadan, I spend time with Muslim communities living in difficult circumstances, to observe the fast with them and help shine a spotlight on their plight. This year I’m in Bangladesh to express my solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people hosting them," Guterres said on his Ramadan solidarity visit.

The health condition of the eight-year-old girl, who is now battling for her life in the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka has deteriorated further, says a spokesperson on Wednesday. “We are very sad…sadly, her health condition has further deteriorated today (Wednesday),” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said, seeking doa from all for her recovery. While giving updates on the little girl from Magura at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy, Alam also said her “CGS” level comes down from four to three. In a medical context, "CGS" can refer to cardiogenic shock, a serious condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt The Press Secretary also said her “brainstem” and “pupil reflex” are also lower than yesterday (Tuesday). He said the doctors at the CMH are putting in their best efforts for the girl’s recovery.    She was initially admitted to Magura General Hospital and later transferred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital as her condition deteriorated. On Thursday, she was moved to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) before being shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka. CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were present at the media briefing.