Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday 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. 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. “Aligning with our commitment to a peaceful and inclusive society, the government and the peace-loving people of Bangladesh look forward to partnering and collaborating in your efforts in addressing the global challenges in the pursuit of peace, harmony, stability and prosperity for all,” Prof Yunus said. He conveyed his best wishes for Trump’s success as he embarks on this momentous journey of leading his great nation. Donald Trump wins US presidency for the second time "We welcome him (Trump). We hope Bangladesh-US relations will be deepened and relations will reach a new height," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday evening. Responding to a question on Trump’s remarks on Bangladesh recently, Alam said they think he (Trump) was misinformed and hoped that he will know what the actual picture is.  The Press Secretary said the US wants to see democracy is practiced globally and the relations between the two countries will be strengthened. Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present. Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States which is seen as an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago. On November 1, the Press Secretary said what Donald Trump thinks about the events in Bangladesh “does obviously matter”, but stressed that their task in the government is to tell the truth. On a separate occasion, he said the results of the US election will not pose any challenge for the relations between the two countries. Prof Muhammad Yunus, as a global leader, has very good ties with senior leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties, he added. "He [Prof Yunus] has friends in both parties. The relationship depends a lot on personal attachment. Prof Yunus is a global leader. So, whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the US election, there will be no challenge for our relationship," he said while speaking as the chief at a debate competition in the capital. Shafiqul Alam said Donald Trump's statement on minorities in Bangladesh is a completely domestic political issue, and lobbyists may have influenced this issue. On Thursday, Trump strongly condemned the "barbaric violence" against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are "getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos."

Encouraging people to submit e-return and pay income tax online, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said tax paid by the people is the main driver of the country's economy. “I wish, your experiences of submitting income tax return become smooth and hassle-free from now on,” he said in a message. The chief adviser also urged all to show their relatives, neighbours and friends how they too can submit their income tax online. Chief Adviser expected to join COP29 Summit in Azerbaijan next month Acknowledging that people face various hassles to pay taxes, he urged everyone to submit their e-return and pay income tax online, according to the video message shared by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing. "I request the youths to help the taxpayers to this end. Preparation of becoming future entrepreneurs can start from here. We are taking preparations to collect all taxes online gradually," he said. From now, the chief adviser said, there is no need to stand in long queues at the banks to pay income tax or go to tax offices to submit income tax return. "Submit income tax return from your home....this measure has been taken," Prof Yunus said. Submitting e-return of income tax for all government officials of Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur cities, and officials and employees of all scheduled banks, mobile phone operators and multinational companies has been made mandatory now, he said. Prof Yunus also urged the rest of the eligible people of the country to submit e-return and pay income tax online. He also encouraged competition among organisations and firms in submitting e-return of their officials at district and city levels for winning the state awards.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is expected to join the COP29 Summit at the Azerbaijan capital in November, where at least 32,000 people will get together to mainly discuss the thorny issue of climate finance. Once finalised, the Chief Adviser is likely to be in Baku in the second week of November, a senior foreign ministry official told UNB. Chief Adviser visits DU campus to see graffiti drawn by youths The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22. The COP29 is seen as a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. With global temperatures hitting record highs, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe, COP29 will bring together leaders from governments, businesses and civil societies to advance concrete solutions. Chief Adviser seeks enhanced trade, economic cooperation with Bhutan A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change, according to the United Nations. The conference will also be a key moment for countries to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris agreement, which are due by early 2025. If done right, these plans will limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and double as investment plans advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Meanwhile, non-resident ambassador of Azerbaijan to Bangladesh Elchin Huseynli on Tuesday called on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka. The upcoming COP29 Summit in Baku, energy, trade, business cooperation, and a planned air services agreement between the two countries were discussed during the meeting. Ambassador Huseynli stressed deeper trade ties between two countries, with Baku seeking "new opportunities" and ways for opening up doors for more businesses. He said a foreign office consultation between two countries was held in Baku in June. Azerbaijan has sought to sign an air services agreement with Bangladesh, he added.The Chief Adviser called Azerbaijan "a good friend" and sought increased business and trade between the two nations, according to his press wing. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus recalled his long relationships with the Azerbaijani people, its leadership, and universities.