United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Friday emphasised the need to address the challenges faced by Bangladeshi expatriates from within the country, noting that 80 percent of the issues encountered by migrant workers originate from home, not abroad, before they leave Bangladesh. He pointed out that although the remaining 20 percent of problems occur in destination countries, Bangladesh's missions abroad manage the full range of issues, apparently placing an overwhelming pressure on limited resources. The Adviser made the remarks while speaking at a programme, marking Foreign Service Day 2025 at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. West Bengal Incidents: Delhi rejects Dhaka's remarks as "unwarranted" Foreign Service Day commemorates a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. On this day in 1971, Bangladeshi diplomats and staff stationed in Kolkata took over the Pakistan Deputy High Commission, raised the Bangladesh national flag, and established the country’s first diplomatic mission abroad — a symbolic step in asserting the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, during his meeting with US Senator Gary C. Peters on Tuesday, asserted that some quarters, both home and abroad, are spreading misinformation and disinformation about Bangladesh. He urged the Senator to reflect the true scenario of Bangladesh to help the country fight against those. The Senator took a note of it, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The US Senator had a courtesy meeting with the Foreign Adviser at the State Guest House ‘Padma’. The US CDA to Bangladesh Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson was present at the meeting. The meeting was also attended by the accompanying delegates of the Senator, senior diplomats from the US Embassy in Dhaka, and officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Election to be free and festive, Dr Yunus tells US Senator The meeting discussed key areas of bilateral relations including trade, investment, development cooperation, people-to-people connections, cyber security, and climate resilience.  The Foreign Adviser warmly welcomed Senator Gary Peters and thanked him for his first-ever visit to Bangladesh. He apprised the Senator of the reform initiatives by the Government led by Dr Yunus and the preparations for holding a "free, fair, and participatory" election. The Senator appreciated the ongoing initiatives and reiterated for continued support of the United States in democratic transition of Bangladesh.  During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on excellent collaboration, emphasising the need to enhance trade relations, technological exchanges, and security cooperation between the two friendly countries.  The Foreign Adviser highlighted the significant challenges Bangladesh faces in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas and emphasised the critical need for their sustainable repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar. He also sought the cooperation of the USA in partnering with Bangladesh at the international conference on Rohingyas to be held in New York later this year. Senator Gary Peters highly praised the generous humanitarian support of Bangladesh and assured him of the US support for the repatriation of Rohingyas.  Senator Gary Peters mentioned the praiseworthy contributions of the Bangladesh community in his State of Michigan and also in the USA as a whole. He also emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in addressing shared challenges, including climate change.  The meeting concluded with the commitment to furthering the Bangladesh-U.S. partnership and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Senator Peters conveyed his appreciation for Bangladesh’s hospitality and reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast support in advancing mutual interests. The meeting was followed by an iftar and dinner.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday expressed his hope over normalisation of visa issue with India but stressed that the decision to issue a visa is considered a "sovereign right" of a country. "We did not create visa complications. India has stopped it for whatever reason. It is their sovereign right.... ," he said, adding that if a country does not issue a visa to anyone or to any group, no question can be raised about it as it is their decision. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain said they hope that India will announce their decision or step up their activities so that people who want to go to India can get visas. The Foreign Adviser said what Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said is completely the position of Bangladesh. "We have always said we want a good working relationship (with India) on the basis of reciprocity and mutual respect," he said, adding that is the reflection of their clear position. Highlighting historical close ties, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus told BBC Bangla that there is no alternative to maintaining a good relationship between Bangladesh and India, as there had been some clouds in the relations that mainly came through propaganda. No alternative to strong Bangladesh-India ties: Dr Yunus "Some conflicts had been seen in the midway. I would say some clouds were seen. These clouds mostly came through propaganda. Others will judge the sources of those as propaganda," he told BBC Bangla in an interview published on Monday. Responding to a specific question, Dr Yunus said the relations between the two neighbours are in very good shape and there has been "no deterioration". Following that, Dr Yunus said, there had been some misunderstandings. "We are trying to overcome these misunderstandings. There is no problem in our basic relationship," Dr Yunus said. The Chief Adviser said he had always explained that the relations between Bangladesh and India are so deep, still the relationship is in good shape and it will remain good in the future. "There is no alternative to maintain good relations between the two countries," said Dr Yunus. He said that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is "historically, politically and economically" are very close and they "cannot deviate" from this. He said there is continuous communication between the two countries. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, later they had a telephone conversation, and Modi invited Prof Yunus to join the third Voice of Global South Summit hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17 last year.

Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to embracing the tremendous opportunities that the Indian Ocean region offers by strengthening partnerships. "We are committed to strengthening our partnerships across the Indian Ocean, addressing emerging challenges, and embracing the tremendous opportunities this region offers," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday.  The multiple challenges and other geo-economic and geo-strategic factors require increased cooperation among the States, he said. Hossain made the remarks while speaking at the plenary session titled "Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains: Overcoming Disruptions and Enhancing Resilience" as part of 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)-2025 in Muscat, Oman. Sheikh Humaid Al Maani, Head of Diplomatic Academy, MoFA, Oman chaired the session. The Foreign Adviser said the Indian Ocean region is a crucial strategic area that links the Asia-Pacific and African regions, with profound economic, political and security significance. The conference provided a platform for participants to engage in "constructive discussions, share ideas, exchange knowledge, identify actionable solutions, and build meaningful partnerships and cooperation" in the region. Indian Ocean Conference: Meeting between Tohidul, Jaishankar underway "We look forward to working together to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all nations of the Indian Ocean and beyond," Adviser Hossain said. As a littoral state, he said, Bangladesh has long been a center of maritime activities and it actively participates in various regional platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the International Seabed Authority. The 8th Indian Ocean Conference is being held under the theme "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.” Bangladesh, as a nation with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties to the Indian Ocean, is committed to advancing maritime cooperation that drive collective prosperity and ensure sustainable, peaceful development, Hossain said. Bangladesh, he said, places strong importance on maritime cooperation for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, services and people, for advancing food security, energy security, water cooperation, disaster risk reduction and providing fair access to global public goods. Bangladesh advocates for "shared prosperity" through "shared responsibility". While Maritime transport is the main artery of global trade, Hossain said maritime supply chains remain the backbone of the global economy. He said while eighty percent of global trade by volume, and over seventy percent by value, is transported by sea, the Indian Ocean, the world's third-largest body of water, plays a crucial role in this global trade. The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in this global trade and the global supply chain as it hosts important chokepoints of canals and straits, Hossain said. Approximately 80 percent of the world's seaborne oil trade transits through the strategic choke points of the Indian Ocean, making it a vital link between the East and the West. "Countries depend on the Indian Ocean for the movement of goods through maritime trade routes, safeguarding their economic and energy interests. However, the sector is facing multifaceted challenges that endanger the efficiency, reliability, resilience and sustainability of maritime supply chains," he said. Maritime supply chain is vulnerable to many challenges like port congestion, capacity limitations, regulatory, operational and administrative issues, cyberattacks, piracy, and geopolitical tensions, which can disrupt the efficiency of maritime supply chains. Tohidul Hussain, Jaishankar share stage at Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat "We must also remember that the oceans are not only a driving force for global economic growth but also a vital source of food security," Hossain said. The oceans are facing growing pressures from population growth, global competition for resources, rising food demand, water scarcity, maritime security threats, climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. "We need to take appropriate actions to tackle the maritime security threats of piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking, illegal arms trade, and illegal and unregulated fishing, among others. We need to address regulatory and administrative issues," said the Foreign Adviser. The global economy, food security, and energy supplies are at increasing risk due to vulnerabilities at key maritime routes. "We must take measures to address vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. Strengthening maritime supply chains and overcoming disruptions is a necessity for improving global trade, reducing costs, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the world," said the Foreign Adviser. Strengthening maritime supply chains involves a holistic approach combining technology, infrastructure improvements, strategic planning, risk management strategies and cross-border collaboration. "We need to facilitate maritime connectivity, reduce the trade barriers," he said, adding that they also need to consider liberalization of the visa regime, particularly easing visas and other administrative processes for the seafarers, ensuring facilities for them, as their roles are crucial in maintaining the maritime supply chain. The Indian Ocean has historically been a region of great collaboration. "The benefits of multilateral cooperation in maritime issues are likely to increase over time," Hossain said, adding that to ensure a resilient and improved shared future, it is essential for the countries in the Indian Ocean region to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration across all possible areas. Modi discusses Bangladesh issue with Trump, shares concerns: Vikram Misri Each coastal nation should ensure that growth and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, as well as the surrounding seas and bays, are built on mutual trust, respect, and an understanding of equal interests, as all littoral states collaborate to develop together. "We also must prioritize conservation and the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources to ensure that the use of these resources does not contribute to the decline in the health of oceanic and coastal environments," Hossain said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said there was no discussion regarding Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ China visit during his recent bilateral visit to China, stressing that Dhaka is not in a hurry on that. “To tell you the truth, there was no discussion about it because we’re not in a hurry,” he said when a reporter drew his attention regarding media reports on the Chief Adviser’s visit to China. The Adviser, who paid a bilateral visit to China recently, talked to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dhaka, Beijing "must cooperate wholeheartedly" to resolve Rohingya crisis: Foreign Adviser tells Shanghai Seminar He said Kunming, China, may be an alternative to India for medical treatment where medical expenses and travel costs there are comparatively low. Praising Bangladesh’s good track record in loan repayment, China on Tuesday "agreed in principle" to extend the loan repayment period and assured to look into the request of the interest rate reduction. Foreign Adviser Hossain, during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday, requested China to reduce interest rate from 2-3% to 1%, waive commitment fee and extend loan repayment period from 20 years to 30 years for both the Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) loan and Government Concessional Loan (GCL). Foreign Adviser off to China on maiden visit for boosting economic ties The Chinese Foreign Minister also assured to continue DFQF access of Bangladeshi products to the Chinese market for 3 years after the LDC graduation.  

Reflecting on global challenges, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women. Hossain made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China. The seminar titled "Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity" reflected on the common vision of Bangladesh and China for a secure and better world. Referring to the Rohingya crisis, Adviser Hossain stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for return of the Rohingyas. “Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution," he said. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Chen Dongxiao, president of SIIS, who highlighted the historic and evolving partnership between Bangladesh and China, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed optimism about the event’s contribution to enhancing academic and research collaborations between China and Bangladesh, and the role of the two countries to furthering global peace and stability. Switzerland reaffirms support to Bangladesh during important phase of transition In his address, Adviser Hossain outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability. He highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which dates back to ancient times and the evolution of relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). Hossain underscored the transformative role of China's development assistances and investments in Bangladesh’s various sectors which have significantly contributed to the country’s socio-economic development. He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth. Hossain highlighted Bangladesh’s successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programmes, pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh Government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony, and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth. Bangladesh urges global investors to grab opportunities it offers In order to realize the shared vision, Hossain underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people to people exchange and championing global trade system. The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including scholars, diplomats, government officials, young researchers, media representatives, senior leadership and experts of SIIS, and officials from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office. The programme featured speeches from key participants, including remarks by Dr. Yang Jiemian, Director of the Academic Advisory Board at SIIS, and presentations by six renowned experts. These experts shared insights on topics ranging from economic globalisation to regional stability, triggering rich discussions during the interactive session that followed. The event concluded with closing remarks by Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam and the President of SIIS. Adviser Hossain also visited a high-tech electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the outskirt of Shanghai where he witnessed the production line of electric vehicles. The plant produces around 500 EV units a day. He urged the Chinese company to consider establishing such a plant in Bangladesh. Acting Mayor of Shanghai also met the foreign adviser.  During the meeting, both of them underscored the need for enhanced business-to-business and people- to-people engagements between Dhaka and Shanghai. Foreign Secretary stresses economic ties, streamlined visa process in meeting with Kosovo Ambassador The acting mayor extended invitation to Bangladesh to participate at the “Shanghai Tourism Festival” to be held this year.  Hossain conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in participating the festival. The meeting ended with a lunch hosted by the acting mayor in honor of the adviser and his delegation.  Hossain also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce yesterday evening. During the discussion, they focused on relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, particularly to the Chinese SEZ in Chattogram, establishing air connectivity between Chattogram and Shanghai, and exchange and collaboration between the two Chambers.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency. "We have nothing to speculate," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States. When the new administration in the US will assume office, Hossain said, “There might be some remarks, which we will look into accordingly.” Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period: Touhid Hossain "Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country. He said Bangladesh will maintain good relations with these three countries protecting Dhaka's interests. President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House, in what amounts to a shock-and-awe campaign on border security, deportations and a rush of other policy priorities, according to an AP report. Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill. Many of the actions are expected to launch on Inauguration Day, Jan 20, when he takes office. Trump top adviser Stephen Miller outlined for the GOP senators the border security and immigration enforcement measures that are likely to launch soonest. In November last year, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain said the interim government does not foresee any major change in its relations with the United States. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser “It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told the journalists while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House. The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said. The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh and the reform process. Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US," he said in November. Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development. “I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024. We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America. “I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser. He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will pay a bilateral visit to China on January 20-24 which is described as “very important first bilateral visit” after the formation of the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus in August last year. “This visit is a great opportunity to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at a weekly media briefing on Thursday. The progress of ongoing cooperation in areas such as increasing economic cooperation and expanding trade and investment will be reviewed during the visit in order to formulate the future outline of the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, Alam said. Dhaka appreciates UK friends’ support in thwarting malicious efforts The visit will also focus on cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education, infrastructure, renewable energy and a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, he said. During this visit, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Adviser Hossain will discuss various issues of mutual interest with his Chinese counterpart. Bangladesh and China are going to celebrate the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations in 2025. To this end, both countries have taken various programs. “This visit will be an auspicious start to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” Spokesperson Alam said. Alam said China is a notable strategic partner of Bangladesh, one of the largest commercial and important development partners. He said the relations between Bangladesh and China are multidimensional and the bilateral relations with China, at this moment, have been upgraded to the “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership”. When women thrive, entire communities, economies benefit: US The annual trade volume between Bangladesh and China is about US$ 25 billion, although this trade balance is not favorable to Bangladesh. It is expected that this visit will discuss the restructuring of the trade balance as well as increasing Chinese investment in various sectors in Bangladesh, said the Spokesperson. For the better treatment of students and the general public injured in the Anti-Discrimination Movement that took place last July, China first sent a high-level medical delegation of 10 members from the ‘National Health Commission of China’. They visited various hospitals and provided medical assistance, and assured to establish a specialised hospital and rehabilitation center for the better treatment of students and the general public injured in the Anti-Discrimination Movement. Bangladesh will be interested in discussing this matter, said the Spokesperson. EU and EIB pledged support for Bangladesh's environmental protection priorities: Rizwana He said the Foreign Adviser is expected to deliver a speech at the “China Institute of International Studies” and the “Shanghai Institute of International Studies”. Besides, Alam said, the Adviser will hold a meeting with business representatives from Shanghai, China to increase Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

Speakers at a book launching event on Monday called for collective efforts from local communities, government and the international partners to ensure a lasting peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), stressing that it is crucial not just for Bangladesh but for the security of the entire region. They acknowledged that peace has not been achieved yet even after 27 years of the signing of the CHT Accord and called for addressing the challenges through collective efforts. The unveiling ceremony of the book titled "Regional Security and CHT Peace Accord 1997: An Unfinished Peace Building Model of Bangladesh" written by Brig Gen (retd) Md Nasimul Gani, was held at Foreign Service Academy. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke as the chief guest while Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Defense & National Integration Development Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Hafiz as a special guest. Writer and public intellectual Prof Salimullah Khan also spoke, among others, at the launching ceremony. Adviser Hossain stressed the need for developing the basic respect and understanding to prevent small issues from snowballing into major conflicts and establish peace in the CHT. Govt working to resolve land issues in CHT: Adviser Supradip “If we can establish basic respect and understanding there, I think, small issues will not be there in the major conflicts,” he said. Focusing on taking the right steps to get back peace in this land, the Adviser said they have to respect distinct groups also with distinct cultures, equal rights and equal respect. Hossain, however, thought that the solution (to mistrust) is not easy particularly after so many years of living side by side with suspicion. “We lived side by side with suspicion for a long period. Initially it was not there but it grew overnight,” he said. He put emphasis on taking the right steps to establish peace in this land. “We need to respect their cultures. It’s a diversity we have. We have to accept that (this diversity),” he added. “I think we need to develop a culture in which we respect each other; we take care of each other,” he said, adding that the governing authorities must ensure it.  

After a period of growing tensions in a changed political scenario since August 5, Bangladesh and India are increasingly demonstrating their willingness to recognise the value of fostering stability, mutual trust, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges for greater prosperity on both sides. The winds of positive change in Dhaka-Delhi relations indicate a promising turn for the two South Asian neighbours though many feared that the relations would only deteriorate further with a growing anti-India sentiment. Recent diplomatic exchanges including the foreign secretary-level meeting have shown a commitment to sewing ties and addressing areas of discord. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser. Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser Bangladesh is expecting a reply from India regarding its request for Hasina’s extradition and was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. India has refrained from commenting further on Hasina's extradition request. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs on January 3. Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Bangladesh on December 9, reiterated India's willingness to build a “positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests. He also emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in Bangladesh-India relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh including in areas of trade, connectivity and other capacity building areas are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. “So, that has been our approach. There are several developments that are happening. There are developments happening on a daily basis, but our generic approach to Bangladesh is what I told you. We would like to foster these ties,” said MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal on January 3. India’s approach is to foster ties with Bangladesh was made very clear during the Indian foreign secretary's visit to Dhaka, where he highlighted India's support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh. India unlikely to extradite Hasina as heard: Adviser Mahfuj On December 31, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the High Commission when Dr Yunus went there to pay tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently. New Delhi's reaction was rather soft when on January 2 a Chattogram court rejected the bail prayer of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case.  It simply voiced expectation that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial and the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will ensure that. “This is our expectation,” says MEA Spokesperson on January 3. Meanwhile, the reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen or crew detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew detained in India began on Thursday. The process is expected to be completed on January 5. After the handing over on January 5 at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen or crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram in the afternoon of January 6. Essential commodities are coming from India to Bangladesh. In December, 2024, a consignment of 24, 690 metric tonnes (MT) of parboiled rice arrived at Chattogram Port from India. It was the first batch of rice imports from India since Yunus-led interim government assumed office.