United News of Bangladesh

National unity is crucial to defeat fascism and save the country, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said on Saturday. “We face a great challenge in shaping the future of this country. This challenge cannot be met by a single person, organisation, agency, or government alone. Unity among all political parties and factions is essential, and it must be maintained despite any adversity,” he said in a statement Saturday night. He also thanked the members of the National Consensus Commission for engaging with all active political parties and reaching an agreement to formulate and implement the July National Charter. Chief Adviser directs armed forces to prepare for election security Describing the charter as a historic achievement, the Chief Adviser said, “This document is invaluable for our nation. It will not only guide the upcoming national elections but also serve as a roadmap for future politics and strengthen our democracy.” Prof Yunus added that people expect reforms that will foster a democratic culture in Bangladesh, prevent any future dictatorship, ensure overall national development, and protect the civil rights and dignity of every citizen. “The most encouraging aspect is that these reforms have been agreed upon by us, not imposed from outside. In the past, foreign mediators, including representatives of the UN and friendly countries, have often intervened in Bangladesh’s political dialogue. But after the July mass uprising, the political parties decided to solve our own crisis internally. All parties have come together, engaged in political debate, and paved the way for a solution. Instead of relying on the world, we have presented our national unity as an example to the world,” he said. CA’s office asks officials to avoid foreign travels until election On behalf of the nation, he thanked all political leaders who worked tirelessly to make the charter possible, calling it a historic achievement. Claiming the July charter is a unique global example, the Chief Adviser said, “Nothing like this has happened anywhere else in the world. It will be a shining moment in political history. Other nations may consider forming a ‘Consensus Commission’ during times of crisis as a model for nation-building.” He also acknowledged the contributions of the Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, Professor Ali Riaz, members Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia, Special Assistant Monir Haider, and media representatives who covered the commission’s work for months.  “We must preserve the unprecedented unity we have achieved in state reforms. Fascist forces have devoted all their strength to divide the nation. For the past 15 months, we have unitedly confronted their various conspiracies. To defeat fascism and safeguard this country, there is no other option but to maintain national unity,” he added. Read more: BNP not to take responsibility for unsigned parts of July Charter: Fakhrul

FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu has assured continued support to Bangladesh in developing its deep-sea fishing industry and enhancing agricultural exports, particularly in fruits. The commitment came during a bilateral meeting between Dr Qu and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Food Forum and the FAO’s 80th Anniversary celebrations held at the FAO headquarters in Rome. Dr Qu warmly welcomed Professor Yunus, who visited the FAO headquarters to deliver a keynote address at the Forum’s flagship events. During their meeting, the Director-General praised Professor Yunus’ lifelong contributions to agricultural and rural development in Bangladesh. Describing Bangladesh as a 'high-performing country', Dr Qu reaffirmed the FAO’s continued support through technical assistance, innovation, and South–South and Triangular Cooperation, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. "We will continue to support you," the FAO DG said. Brazilian President Lula plans to visit Bangladesh Prof Yunus expressed gratitude for the FAO’s long-standing support and sought assistance in three emerging areas: developing deep-sea fisheries and fish processing expertise; scaling up fruit exports through improved preservation and processing; and strengthening post-harvest management, including affordable and portable cold storage facilities. “We have a whole ocean, but we only fish in shallow waters. We’ve never fully utilised our maritime resources. Foreign trawlers catch fish in our waters while we remain under-equipped,” Prof Yunus said. In response, Dr Qu suggested Bangladesh consider inviting Chinese experts to help assess its deep-sea fish stocks and develop a sustainable strategy.

A high-level review meeting on Bangladesh’s preparation for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status was held on Wednesday. Govt working to deliver ‘inclusive, credible’ election: Prof Yunus Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting, which began at 11:00 am at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, said his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

Accusing the defeated forces of trying to create chaos to derail the upcoming national election, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday called upon all anti-fascist democratic forces to remain united in resisting such evil efforts. “If all pro-uprising forces fail to come together to hold a nice election, we will miss a big opportunity,” the Chief Adviser said during an exchange of views with top leaders from various political parties at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The Chief Adviser said the defeated forces are creating trouble whenever they get a chance. “By doing these, they are seriously disrupting the country’s natural progress.” “Whenever we move forward with election preparations, fresh conspiracies begin to surface. But the reality is that no conspiracy can hinder the journey towards democratic progress as the unity among democratic forces against fascism is now clearly visible,” he observed. Prof Yunus expressed the hope that all political parties will cooperate fully in ensuring a free and fair election. The political leaders present at the meeting also assured the Chief Adviser of their full support. Air Chief meets Chief Adviser Prof Yunus Aminul Haque Tipu Biswas of the Jatiya Gano Front, Mostafa Jamal Haider of the 12-party alliance and of Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari of Nezam-e-Islam Party, Maulana Yusuf Ashraf of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Fariduzzaman Farhad of the National People’s Party (NPP), Dr Mushtaq Hossain of Bangladesh Jasad, Bobby Hajjaj of the Nationalist Democratic Movement, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji of Islami Oikya Jote, Rafiqul Islam Babul of Bhasani Janashakti Party, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran of Bangladesh Labour Party, Masud Rana of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), and Manjurul Islam Afendi of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, among others, attended the meeting. At the start of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent plane crash into Milestone School and College. A munajat (prayer) was also offered, seeking peace for the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured. The meeting began around 5pm at the state guest house Jamuna, said Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad. As part of his efforts to engage with a broad range of political stakeholders, the Chief Adviser began this new round of talks with a meeting on Tuesday with leaders of four major political parties-- BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and National Citizen Party (NCP). A day later, Dr Yunus also held discussions with leaders from 13 other political parties, including Gonosamhati Andolon, AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Khelafat Majlis, Biplobi Workers Party, JSD and CPB.

Chairman of the Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar faction) Mostafa Jamal Haider on Saturday said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is expected to announce a specific date for the upcoming national election within the next four to five days. “I'm pleased to share that the Chief Adviser has categorically said he will announce an exact date for the election within four to five days,” Haider told reporters. He made the remarks after a meeting between Prof Yunus and leaders of 12 political parties at the state guesthouse Jamuna. Haider described the anticipated announcement as ‘a message of great joy for the nation’. He said holding a national election is the only practical way to resolve the current political turmoil in the country. “Many problems will be addressed through the election. It will help bring an end to the ongoing unrest. Haider also said the Chief Adviser made it clear during the meeting that elections are the only way forward to restore order. “He assured us that a specific election date will be announced within the next four to five days.” He said they told the Chief Adviser that the political parties would not allow any opportunity for the return of the fascist force that was overthrown last year through a mass uprising. Haider, who also leads the 12-party alliance, a key ally of the BNP, said their main objective is now to restore the people's democratic rights and form a democratic government through a national election which will pave the way for eliminating fascist forces through united efforts. Earlier, Professor Muhammad Yunus had a meeting with leaders from 12 more political parties and discussed the country’s overall situation. Election delay to invite more complications: Gayeshwar The meeting began around 5pm at the state guest house Jamuna, said Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad. Those attending the meeting include Aminul Haque Tipu Biswas from Jatiya Gono Front, Mostafa Jamal Haider from Jatiya Party (Zafar) and the 12-Party Alliance, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari from Nezam-e-Islam Party, Maulana Yusuf Ashraf from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Fariduzzaman Farhad from NPP, Dr Mushtaq Hossain from Bangladesh JASAD, Bobby Hajjaj from Nationalist Democratic Movement, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji from Islami Oikya Jote, Rafiqul Islam Babul from Bhasani Janashakti Party, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran from Bangladesh Labour Party, Masud Rana from BASAD-Marxist and Manjurul Islam Afendi from Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam. As part of his efforts to engage with a broad range of political stakeholders, the Chief Adviser began this new round of talks with a meeting on Tuesday with leaders of four major political parties-- BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and National Citizen Party (NCP). A day later, Dr Yunus also held discussions with leaders from 13 other political parties, including Gonosamhati Andolon, AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Khelafat Majlis, Biplobi Workers Party, JSD and CPB.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is holding a meeting with leaders from 12 more political parties on Saturday to discuss the country’s overall situation. The meeting began around 5pm at the state guest house Jamuna, said Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad. Those attending the meeting include Aminul Haque Tipu Biswas from Jatiya Gono Front, Mostafa Jamal Haider from Jatiya Party (Zafar) and the 12-Party Alliance, Maulana Abdul Majed Athari from Nezam-e-Islam Party, Maulana Yusuf Ashraf from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Fariduzzaman Farhad from NPP, Dr Mushtaq Hossain from Bangladesh JASAD, Bobby Hajjaj from Nationalist Democratic Movement, Mufti Sakhawat Hossain Raji from Islami Oikya Jote, Rafiqul Islam Babul from Bhasani Janashakti Party, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran from Bangladesh Labour Party, Masud Rana from BASAD-Marxist and Manjurul Islam Afendi from Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam. Air Chief meets Chief Adviser Prof Yunus After the meeting with the 12 parties, the Chief Adviser is also scheduled to sit with some leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam, Foyez added. As part of his efforts to engage with a broad range of political stakeholders, the Chief Adviser began this new round of talks with a meeting on Tuesday with leaders of four major political parties-- BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and National Citizen Party (NCP). A day later, Dr Yunus also held discussions with leaders from 13 other political parties, including Gonosamhati Andolon, AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, LDP, Khelafat Majlis, Biplobi Workers Party, JSD and CPB.

The Council of Advisers in its meeting on Sunday approved the national budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting, however, did not approve the proposed continuation of a provision to allow undisclosed money, a senior official told UNB. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting, held at the CA's Tejgaon office. Earlier, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) strongly condemned the decision to continue the provision for whitening black money in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. The organisation said it reflects a stance completely contrary to the objectives of state reforms, particularly the core purpose of the Anti-Corruption Commission reform. Noted economists see the proposed national budget as missed opportunities In a press statement responding to the announced national budget for FY 2025–26, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman on June 2 said, “Whatever way it may be interpreted, to undermine the core mandate of state reform in general and anti-corruption in particular, this shows how the interim government has surrendered to the real estate lobby power to facilitate corruption. Irrespective of the payable rate, this clearly violates article 20(2) of the constitution under which state specifically commits to prevent possession of unearned income. It is also discriminatory because the real estate market will proceed more aggressively to become exclusive zone of illicit income owners and deprive honest income earners of the possibility to afford any share of flats or buildings market."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has instructed the Special Security Force (SSF) to avoid public suffering as much as possible while working with professionalism staying above political ideologies. "I think SSF will successfully fulfill all the responsibilities entrusted to it, not by isolating the public, but through a combination of public relations and security," he said on Wednesday during their 39th founding anniversary celebration at the Chief Adviser’s Office. In addition to acquiring professional skills in providing security to state-declared VIPs, Prof Yunus said the issues of characteristic strength, good discipline, honesty, responsibility and human qualities must be seriously considered. "And we must work with professionalism above all political ideologies," he said. Thanking the Director General of SSF and all members, Prof Yunus said he believes that with capable leadership, proper guidance and the professionalism and sincerity of every member of this force, SSF will continue to improve. In the past, Prof Yunus said all flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport used to be closed for about one hour for VIP flights. "This used to create many complications. I have lifted this restriction. I am hopeful that this will reduce the suffering of ordinary passengers," said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus’ London visit very successful: Acting Foreign Secretary He said he is reassured to know that the process of modernization of SSF's training, weapons and equipment is ongoing. In particular, on the 5th August 2024, some vehicles and equipment of this force were damaged, which were made operational within a short time. In addition, the process of increasing the capacity of each member through the use of state-of-the-art weapons and equipment and receiving advanced training at home and abroad is continuing in order to make the operational activities of the force more rapid and effective. In today's world, Prof Yunus said, due to the ease of modern technology and information exchange, the type and nature of security threats are changing rapidly. Therefore, he said, providing 100% security is a very challenging issue. "Despite various limitations, SSF is ensuring security smoothly." Prof Yunus hoped that SSF would regularly review various types of security threats and take all necessary preparations to deal with them. Recently, SSF has consolidated the cyber security system of Jamuna. "I hope that SSF will improve the cyber security system of this office in the same way. I also hope that SSF, as a professional force, will improve day by day with the integration of advanced training, advanced technology and improved morale," said the Chief Adviser. About the functions of the SSF, the Chief Adviser said the force ensures the security of Bangabhaban, his residence, office and during his movements. It also plays a significant role in guaranteeing security during various events inside and outside Dhaka, he said. He also said the SSF has successfully ensured security in Cox's Bazar and Rohingya camps and in Chittagong Port and the convocation ceremony of Chittagong University he attended. EU wants successful political transition in Bangladesh, not early or late polls: Envoy "Not only within the country but also outside the country, during my state visits, the SSF has worked in coordination with various embassies and the protocol and security forces of the concerned countries and made the visits successful," he added. In addition, Prof Yunus said this force very successfully completed the overall security during the state visits of the Malaysian prime minister, the president of East Timor and the secretary-general of the United Nations, who visited Bangladesh. Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to the chiefs of all the services for selecting and sending smart officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Ansar to turn the SSF into a modern and professional force. "I especially express my gratitude to the Bangladesh Army for providing various types of training support to the SSF," he said. SSF Director General Major General Mahbubus Samad Chowdhury, among others, spoke on the occasion. Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the chiefs of the three services, CA's principal secretary, principal coordinator on SDG affairs, CA's press secretary, inspector general of police and senior government officials were present.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday described Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' recent visit to the United Kingdom as "very successful" but noted that for some reasons meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer could not be held at the last moment. "In our consideration, the visit was very successful," acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique told a media briefing at the ministry. Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General (Public Diplomacy) Shah Asif Rahman were also present. Responding to a query, he said the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, during a breakfast meeting with him before the visit, conveyed that the visit was upgraded to an official visit. Later, she met the Chief Adviser and conveyed the same message to the Bangladesh side. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam was also conveyed by the UK side that it is an official visit. Prof Yunus thanks Australia for resuming visa operations in Dhaka In an official visit, the acting Foreign Secretary said they think certain things will take place, including a meeting at the Prime Minister-level between the two countries. He said the meeting was on agenda until the Chief Adviser reached London but the specific time was not marked. “We had an expectation even at the last moment that the meeting would take place. At the last moment, for any reason, the meeting did not take place,” Siddique said. Except for the meeting with the Prime Minister, he said, the Chief Adviser had more meetings than planned and he was provided with full protocol. The acting Foreign Secretary, however, said some responsibilities come onto their shoulders as they (MoFA) were part of the preparation of the visit. Explaining why the visit is seen as very successful, he mentioned tangible progress achieved in terms of stolen asset recovery, receiving the King Charles III Harmony Award by the Chief Adviser and one-on-meeting with the King. Siddique said he does not see any logical ground for making things complicated on historic and friendly relations between the two countries after a successful visit for a single issue,” said the acting Foreign Secretary. On Thursday, the Chief Adviser received the King Charles III Harmony Award at the St James Palace in London. The award recognises Prof Yunus' "unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence between people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world". Ahead of the award ceremony, King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at Buckingham Palace. They discussed issues of mutual interests during the half an hour-long one-on-one meeting. During his visit to the UK, Prof Yunus told BBC that he had not been able to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Dhaka, UAE to strengthen ties, address visa issue: Lutfey Siddiqi "I don't know whether I should be disappointed or he should be disappointed. It's a missed opportunity. "That's why I'm saying coming to Bangladesh would be a good opportunity to relax and see and feel the moment,” the Chief Adviser told BBC in an interview. When asked if Downing Street had given a reason for not scheduling a meeting with Starmer, he said, "I don't think we have received an explanation from that kind of thing. Probably he is busy with other important things."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who received the "King Charles III Harmony Award" at the  St James Palace, has said it is a fantastic way to project what they stand for and it will inspire young people in Bangladesh "to create a country they dream of". The award recognises Prof Yunus' "unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence among people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised  communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world". "It is a wonderful prize," the Chief Adviser said, thanking His Majesty for standing by Bangladesh during this pivotal period in the country's history. "This is a recognition of the work we have done to uplift vulnerable communities and reflect the values His Majesty The King also champions," the Chief Adviser said while receiving the award. The King Charles III Harmony Award is awarded to an individual to recognise long-term outstanding commitment to and support for His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy – which looks to prioritise sustainability and nature across all sectors. Prof Yunus has spent his life promoting social business principles and encouraging sustainable, socially responsible projects, having a significant impact on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh and beyond, according to the King's Foundation.  Ahead of the Award Ceremony, King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at the Buckingham Palace. Prof Yunus honoured with prestigious Harmony Award by King Charles III