United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday Bangladesh sought extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following legal aspects and subsequent court’s order but did not get any reply from the Indian side. “We have followed the legal aspect that we have and we have asked them to return her as per the court's order. Let them look into it. They are yet to reply. Let them look into it from their side,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition. Explaining Hasina's presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recently said this is a ‘judicial legal process’ and it requires ‘engagement and consultations’ between the two governments. ICT-1 sets Nov 13 for verdict in case against Hasina, 2 others "We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Beyond that, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. Hasina fled Bangladesh to India on August 5 last year in the face of massive student-led protests. Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi. The International Crimes Tribunal will set a date for the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against Hasina and other top officials of her government for their alleged role in suppressing the July Uprising on Nov 13.      

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Friday laid emphasis on building the country and institutions with an improved education system and improving the prospects of the young generation, stressing that the political culture has to change. He said it is natural that the political parties would like to go to the power but there should be efforts towards building the country and its institutions. "Politics is still in the hands of our generation of politicians," Hossain said, adding that the young generation will gain experience in the next 10 to 15 years and will be able to make basic changes. "I am absolutely confident that the young generation will make basic changes in the system," he said while speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day "Bengal Delta Conference 2025" organised by Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (daira). "They (youths) may make mistakes along the way, but with time and experience, they will build a stronger and fairer political culture," Hossain said. Highlighting the importance of gaining knowledge and skills, Hossain said, "We need to learn. If you have proper knowledge, skills and training, sky is the limit (in terms of opportunities) - across the world and within the country." He said the most important thing for a country like Bangladesh with huge population but limited resources is education. The adviser said a very small portion of the population receives quality education while the education system in rural areas is in a terrible shape. "This is one area we need to do a lot. We must do something for the higher education, too," he said as he emphasised the need to redefine political culture. Adviser Hossain also reflected on the July-August movement and remembered those sacrificed their lives for a change. Young generation wants to establish a merit-based and professional bureaucracy: Adviser Nahid  Dr. Mushtaq H. Khan, Professor of Economics, SOAS University of London delivered welcome remarks at the session. Prof. Dr. Maszlee Bin Malik, Chairman, International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Advisory Board Member, Bengal Delta Conference 2025; Vice Chancellor,University of Dhaka, Dr. Dipak Gyawali, former Minister of Water Resources, Nepal and Mahfuz Anam, Editor and publisher, The Daily Star among others spoke. The adviser highlighted the significance of the July Uprising in Bangladesh's political history, saying that the youth of Bangladesh will not allow the country to return to the political reality of pre-2024. He also addressed issues such as the Ukraine war, the genocide in Gaza, the Israel-US-Iran relations, and the global context of US tariffs. Professor Dr. Maszlee bin Malik, former education minister of Malaysia, said Bangladesh could become a beacon of hope for the Global South. He praised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for his leadership. He emphasised the need for Bangladesh to shift from a labor-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and discussed the potential for Bangladesh’s ocean-centered economy. He also highlighted the positive prospects for Bangladesh's future relationship with the ASEAN regional cooperation organization, saying, “Bangladesh will find ASEAN by its side in resolving the Rohingya crisis.” Dipak Gyawali, former Minister of Water Resources of Nepal, spoke about the significance of Bangladesh’s people’s uprising, saying, “The people’s uprising in Bangladesh is not only a milestone for the delta but for the entire South Asian region.” He stressed that alongside democracy, good governance is also crucial for the state. Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, vice chancellor of the University of Dhaka, also commented that the delta has not received adequate academic attention, making daira’s initiative highly significant. Siddharth Varadarajan, founder and editor of the India-based online media The Wire said the path Bangladesh is currently on has global implications. However, the country’s biggest weakness is economic inequality.” Mahfuz Anam, reflecting on the political trajectory of the country, said, “Bangladesh’s biggest problem is that politicians use democracy as a ladder to enter parliament. Prof Mushtaq Khan, reflecting on the hardships faced by students under the previous fascist regime and their subsequent activism post-uprising, welcomed daira’s initiative. Reinforce tobacco laws to save young generation: Speakers He discussed Bangladesh’s politics and geopolitics, stating, "Politics must be open. We must rethink the sources of political party funding." He emphasised that the uprising has made it clear to politicians that returning to the old political settlement is impossible, as the people will no longer accept it. This year's conference theme was "Bangladesh at Crossroads: Rethinking Politics, Economics, and Geopolitical Strategy." The opening session of the conference began with the national anthem and a minute of silence to remember the martyrs of the July Uprising. The session was chaired by Shehrin Amin Bhuiya, assistant professor of Public Administration at the University of Dhaka. A documentary on the July Uprising and the broader socio-political context of Bangladesh was presented on behalf of daira during this time. Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (daira) is a Dhaka-based think tank dedicated to the production and advancement of knowledge about the Bengal Delta. The institute focuses on understanding the socio-political, economic, and cultural dynamics of Bangladesh in both regional and global contexts.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. “I don’t know who regrets how much, but we see the matter this way - if necessary, the matter will be followed up,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter asked whether there was any regret over the government's failure to bring Hasina back nearly a year after the formal request. Bangladesh had sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition. On the issue of water-sharing agreements, including the pending Teesta deal and the renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges Water Sharing Treaty - set to expire next year - Hossain stressed that such matters need to be resolved through bilateral discussions. Dhaka to remind Delhi about its request for Hasina’s extradition: Ministry Regarding media reports suggesting that a recent meeting between Dhaka, Beijing and Islamabad was intended as an alternative alliance to SAARC, Adviser Hossain clarified that this interpretation was inaccurate. The meeting never seemed to be an alternative to Saarc, he said, adding that it was a meeting to discuss some areas of cooperation and it was no way an alliance. 

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in New York, on Thursday called for "renewed international attention and action" to ensure the repatriation of the Rohingyas with safety and rights. "This is not only a matter of justice, but also vital for preventing the root cause of a potential instability in our region," he said. For over eight years, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya people who fled their own country Myanmar due to persecution by the military regime. "Our humanitarian act has put us in immense socio-economic and environmental challenges, and the situation is now posing new security risks," Adviser Hossain said while delivering his statement at the UN Security Council open debate titled “Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict: Implications for the Maintenance of International Peace and Security.” This Council, he said, is well aware that protracted crises often emerge from systemic marginalisation. The current development and security landscape are shaped by long-standing inequities – many of which are rooted in centuries of political subjugation and economic exploitation, said the Foreign Affairs Adviser. "Correcting these imbalances is our shared responsibility," he said. In this context, Hossain said, they must aim for a future shaped by the bold aspiration of “three zeros” propounded by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and net zero carbon emissions. Prof Yunus dismisses ‘Corridor to Rakhine', reaffirms Rohingya repatriation "These are not just development goals—they are foundational to lasting peace and stability," said the Adviser, adding that realizing this vision will require an alignment of peacebuilding efforts with inclusive and forward-looking development strategies. "Here, we see a strong merit in closer coordination across the three pillars of the UN," Hossain said. He said it is imperative that this Council works closely with ECOSOC and Peacebuilding Commission to ensure that peacebuilding strategies are in conformity with development realities. "Instead of only investing in recovery, we must also build resilience. Let us enable people, especially the most vulnerable and give them the opportunity to thrive," Hossain said. In doing so, he said, they see the transformative potential of “social business” pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. "By prioritising people over profits, such enterprises boost inclusive growth and reduce grievances that would otherwise lead to unrest. We believe this approach offers valuable lessons worth replicating globally," Hossain said. Bangladesh remains committed to doing its part, and to working alongside all concerned in pursuit of a more just, peaceful, and secure world, he mentioned. The Adviser thanked the Presidency of Guyana for organizing this "timely and important" debate, according to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations. "We live in a world where poverty, under-development, and conflict – all are interconnected. If we are to preserve international peace and security, addressing these challenges is not optional - it is essential," said the Foreign Affairs Adviser. In Bangladesh, he said, they have always viewed young people as agents of positive change. "From the historic Language Movement in 1952 to our liberation struggle, and most recently the student-led “monsoon revolution” – our youth have consistently led the way in fighting against inequalities and injustice," Hossain said. Rohingya refugee response remains a ‘critical challenge’: Gwyn Lewis He said they are also deeply aware of the consequences when young people are denied access to education and employment. "Across regions and contexts, large segments of youth – when left behind – can become vulnerable to manipulation, and violent ideologies that exploit identity and faith," Hossain said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will attend the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial which will be held in Berlin, Germany on May 13-14. Adviser Hossain left Dhaka for Germany on Monday, said a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will return home on May 15.   Leading up to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and marking the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping, the 2025 Berlin UN Peacekeeping Ministerial is the latest in a series of meetings held at the head of State, government, or ministerial level. It will serve as a high-level political forum to discuss the future of peacekeeping and for Member States to express and demonstrate their political support, said the UN officials. It will also provide a platform for delegations to announce substantial pledges in support of closing capability gaps and adapting peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities, in line with the pledging guide. Touhid Hossain, Jaishankar likely to hold talks during Indian Ocean Conference in Oman The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 will contribute to increased safety and security for peacekeepers deployed, and foster overall mission effectiveness. For their pledges, member states are encouraged to arrange partnerships where appropriate, for instance in training and capacity-building. The Ministerial is being co-organised by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Defence. By hosting the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Germany is providing a forum for the development of specific contributions to the UN’s future peacekeeping efforts. Foreign fund cuts will worsen Rohingya crisis, warns Adviser Touhid Hossain The aim is to enhance the long-term effectiveness of UN peacekeeping missions, to promote greater acceptance of blue helmet missions and to improve security for peacekeepers deployed on these missions.

Appreciating the longstanding relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday sought support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in human capital development, with particular emphasis on vocational training. He noted that the large number of Bangladeshis living abroad could better contribute in both economies through skills development. With regard to the EIB-financed projects in Bangladesh, Hossain hoped for efficient and expedited disbursement as per commitment. The issues were discussed when visiting Vice President of the EIB Nicola Beer met with the Foreign Affairs Adviser at the latter’s office. Read: EU and EIB pledged support for Bangladesh's environmental protection priorities: Rizwana

The government on Monday will brief diplomats stationed in Dhaka on current issues, especially on the minorities. "It's mainly on minority issues," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will brief the diplomats at state guesthouse Padma in the afternoon. Read: Govt to brief diplomats Wednesday; Rohingya situation on focus He will talk to the media around 4pm after the diplomatic briefing. Following the diplomatic briefing, the adviser will talk with the media.

Non-Resident High Commissioner of Ghana to Bangladesh Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh has paid a farewell call-on to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban.  The meeting, held on Tuesday, signified the end of Cheremeh’s three-year term as High Commissioner for Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Shahabuddin expressed sincere appreciation for the high commissioner’s endeavors in nurturing robust and friendly ties between Bangladesh and Ghana.  Dhaka keen to enhance bilateral cooperation with Tripoli He recognized the positive development of the relationship between the two countries during High Commissioner Cheremeh’s time in office and highlighted the significance of ongoing cooperation in the shared areas of interest.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday said as Bangladesh has witnessed the most significant political change in its national history, the future of Bangladesh-China relations in a post-revolution setting requires a more comprehensive approach. "It is likely that the post-revolution trajectory of Bangladesh and its future relations with China might be influenced by various factors, including Bangladesh's political stability, and the changing dynamics of regional and global politics," he said.  The adviser made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on "Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook" at InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and experts from both sides spoke at the seminar.  Although the future of bilateral ties between Bangladesh and China can be shaped by several factors, Adviser Hossain said, the core elements of cooperation such as aspects of trade and investment, infrastructure development, and technology sharing need to endure, since these aspects are propelled by mutual interests in economic advancement and regional stability.  In the coming days, he said, along with focusing on the core elements, both countries can also expedite meaningful collaboration on several other emerging areas such as green energy, tourism, satellite technology and climate change.  Also, to devise a mutually beneficial future outlook of the bilateral ties between the two countries, new avenues of collaboration need to be explored by both sides, he said. "I believe the exchange of ideas will help us more to understand how the future course of the bilateral relations between the two countries will evolve in the midst of evolving internal, regional and global dynamics," Hossain said. He also talked about how this bilateral cooperation can contribute in reorienting Bangladesh's post-revolution economic trajectory, and how this bilateral cooperation needs to advance in the context of the country’s changing political landscape. Over the past years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the adviser said, China and Bangladesh have relentlessly valued each other as equals, pursued mutual benefits and advantageous outcomes.  AmCham for branding Bangladesh as an investment destination through "strategic diplomacy" Both countries, from the very beginning, supported each other on the matters of core interests, and worked together on the path to realizing their respective development, he said.  Hence, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said, the diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China set an example of amicable coexistence and cooperative success. Hossain said Bangladesh is keen to strengthen both its economic and security ties with China along with deepening collaboration in several critical areas including clean energy and infrastructure development. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Centre for China Studies (SIIS-DU) jointly organised the seminar.  The two countries are looking forward to celebrating the 50 years anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. China is an important partner in the modernization of Bangladesh’s military while Bangladesh looks forward to further cooperation particularly in the military training programmes. Hossain said enhanced defence cooperation could play in increasing Bangladesh's involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations, which remains a key priority for the country. The adviser pointed to infrastructure development as another area of potential collaboration with China, stressing the need for sustainable projects. "We welcome further cooperation in infrastructure development and energy projects, particularly in green energy,” he said, emphasizing on completing projects on time. The Foreign Adviser highlighted China's role in the ongoing efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis, stressing that the only viable solution involves the safe repatriation of the Rohingyas to their land of origin in Myanmar. "We appreciate China's cooperation, but unfortunately, the trilateral dialogue has not yet succeeded in returning even one Rohingya (in the last seven years)," he said. Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh's Economy, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, was present as special guest at the event. Director of the Academic Advisory Council, SIIS Professor Dr. Yang Jiemian made a special remark at the inaugural session. BISS chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker presided over the inaugural session while director general Major General Iftekhar Anis gave the welcome speech.   In his remark, the Chinese Ambassador said Bangladesh has recently experienced significant political transformations and is now at a critical historical juncture. Govt unaware of Hasina’s whereabouts: Touhid Hossain “As a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner, China firmly supports the interim government in its endeavours to state reforms, maintaining law and order, promoting economic development, and improving the livelihoods of the people,” he said. Referring to his recent interactions with Bangladesh's interim government, political parties, and various sectors of society, the envoy said he witnessed firm commitment from Bangladeshi people to China-Bangladesh friendship and their support for developing bilateral relations. “They believe that our two countries are now facing significant historical opportunities for deeper cooperation,” he said. The Ambassador said China supports Bangladesh in becoming a partner country of the BRICS mechanism and a dialogue partner with ASEAN. “China is willing to contribute to the repatriation of the Rohingyas and work closely with Bangladesh on international and regional affairs, strengthening coordination and cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks,” he said. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya urged Chinese companies to invest in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Bangladesh. He emphasized that such investments are essential to making the Karnaphuli Tunnel economically viable and its role as a catalyst for enhanced economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China. There were three working sessions in the seminar. The first working session titled "The Impact of Bangladesh's Changing Political Landscape on Regional Dynamics" was moderated by former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Farooq Sobhan.  The second working session titled "Bangladesh's Political, Economic, and Social Reforms and the Trends" was moderated by Associate Research Fellow, Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies Dr. Zhang Jiuan. Dhaka University’s International Relations Professor Amena Mohsin moderated the third working session titled "Strengthening China- Bangladesh Cooperation and Advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership."