United News of Bangladesh

Amid growing discussions on “humanitarian corridor” to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar, the interim government on Tuesday categorically said they have not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the United Nations (UN) or any other entity. "We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the UN or any other entity," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB while responding to a question. He said the government position is that should there be a UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support. According to UNDP, the Rakhine state is facing an acute humanitarian situation. "Bangladesh has a stellar record of helping countries in times of distress, as exemplified by our aid to Myanmar following the recent devastating earthquake," Alam said. D8 calls for humanitarian corridor inside Gaza Besides, the Press Secretary said, they are concerned that persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which they cannot afford. "We also believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilize Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees back to Myanmar," he said. Given the present conditions, Alam said, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh. Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route, he mentioned. However, Alam said there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine. "We are in touch with the concerned parties in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh," said the Press Secretary. Regarding the reports of involvement of a major power, he said, these are "pure and unadulterated" propaganda. Humanitarian corridors, from Syria to Ukraine "We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation hurled against Bangladesh in recent months, which is still continuing," said the Press Secretary, adding that this sort of propaganda is no different.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Qatar would take 725 soldiers from Bangladesh as Bangladesh is exploring diverse areas for further strengthening the relations with the gas-rich Gulf kingdom. Talking to UNB on the sidelines of the Erthana Summit-2025, Alam said Bangladesh can send the soldiers by next two months. He said there will be efforts to increase the numbers in the future. Alam said Bangladesh is seeking greater cooperation in the energy sector with Qatar as Bangladesh is seeing an increased number of investors who will need gas. Since there is a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG import, Press Secretary Alam said Bangladesh will have a discussion on greater energy sector cooperation. He said Bangladesh will clear dues worth $37 million within the next couple of days in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) import bills owed to the Qatar state owned energy giant Qatar Energy LNG. The Press Secretary said the relationship between Bangladesh and Qatar will further be strengthened in the coming days. Highlighting Prof Yunus' busy schedule here, Alam said the Chief Adviser highlighted the role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities for marginalized communities while delivering his 20 minutes keynote speech at the Earthna Summit-2025. Prof Yunus shares five key initiatives for sustainable future at Earthna Summit He relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, are accompanying the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus held a meeting with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of Amir of the State of Qatar and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation on the sidelines of Earthna Summit. He also held a meeting with Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund For Development. Prof Yunus held a separate meeting with Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, Assistant CEO for International Operations Sector of Qatar Charity. Prof Yunus attended the lunch hosted by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar will meet the Chief Adviser and will discuss issues of mutual interest. Al Jazeera has invited the Chief Adviser to its headquarters where they will interview him, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said. Acting Managing Director, Director of News, Managers of input and output will receive the Chief Adviser there. Qatar Foundation media team will also interview Prof Yunus. In the evening on Tuesday (5:30pm to 6:30pm), Prof Yunus will attend a private business reception in honor of his visit. He is scheduled to discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom. Earthna Summit: Qatari ministers, global dignitaries extend warm welcome to Prof Yunus Bangladesh is eyeing a stronger economic cooperation with Qatar and greater engagement in the energy sector. The Chief Adviser is paying the visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister in addition to other engagements. He said there will be an investment Summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects positive response. Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar. He said there will be an event on the Rohingya issue where global stakeholders will participate. Alam hoped that the Rohingya issue would be brought back to global attention as there are efforts from the interim government.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s history of resilience, its commitment to democracy, and its focus on women’s empowerment are all testaments to the fact that the country will continue to move forward, despite the challenges it faces. "Rather than focusing on a few negative examples, we should recognize the broader picture of progress, resilience, and determination that defines Bangladesh today," he said. Alam noted that The New York Times article titled "As Bangladesh Reinvents Itself, Islamist Hard-Liners See an Opening" paints a troubling and one-sided view of Bangladesh, suggesting that the country is on the brink of being overtaken by religious extremism. In a post from his verified Facebook account, the press secretary said this portrayal not only oversimplifies the political and social dynamics of the country but also risks unfairly smearing an entire nation of 180 million people. "It is crucial to acknowledge the progress Bangladesh has made over the last year and the complexity of the situation, rather than relying on selective, incendiary examples that paint an inaccurate picture," Alam said. Bangladesh needs peace, says Dr Yunus seeking foreign friends' support to forge unity Furthermore, he said, the notion that the rise of extremism is an inevitable outcome of Bangladesh's political transition is far too deterministic. The country's democratic spirit and vibrant civil society are powerful forces that continue to hold back the full rise of extremist ideologies, Alam said. While challenges remain, he said, the long-term direction of Bangladesh will not be shaped solely by the actions of extremists. "The people of Bangladesh, particularly its youth and women, are determined to continue the fight for a just, democratic, and inclusive society," said Alam. He said Bangladesh is not alone in facing the challenge of religious extremism; this is a global issue that many countries confront in different forms. However, he said, Bangladesh has continuously worked to address these challenges through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism initiatives. Yunus’ China visit paved way for stronger ties: Govt The country’s commitment to protecting its diverse population—whether Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or any other community—remains steadfast, said the press secretary. "While there will always be hardliners who spew hatred at rallies and on social media, it is our responsibility to deny them the oxygen their anger requires," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said China would give a  positive consideration to a host of important issues  raised by Bangladesh as he held bilateral talks with Bangladesh delegation led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. They included reduction of the interest rates on Chinese loans and cooperation on water resources management, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB, describing the talks between President Xi and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as a "hugely successful" bilateral meeting. Alam said the talks were "comprehensive, fruitful and constructive, marked by warmth". President Xi reiterated China's support to the Chief Adviser and the interim government, said the Press Secretary. "It was Prof Yunus's first bilateral foreign tour, and so far, it has been a "grand" success," Alam said. President Xi said China would encourage Chinese investment to Bangladesh and relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to Bangladesh. President Xi spoke about his two tours to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit when he was the governor of Fujian province, Alam said. The Chinese President also said he tried Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit. "They are delicious. Bangladesh is expected to export the two fruits to China in a big way in the coming months," Alam quoted President Xi as saying. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. They discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing’s mutual and strategic interests. Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations. At the meeting, Dr Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations. During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people. Recalling his long relations with China, the Chief Adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there. During the meeting, he focused on Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik accompanied the Chief Adviser at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen among others were part of the Chinese delegation. Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 In the morning, Dr Yunus arrived at the Great Hall of China amid a static guard of honour. Dr Yunus arrived in Beijing on Thursday night to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong warmly welcomed Dr Yunus upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport at around 10:20pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air from Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport. Kids also greeted him with flowers. The Chief Adviser spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, Azad said. Dr Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday said after seven and a half months, the interim government has stabilised the country and put it back onto the path of growth. “But as (Chief Adviser) Prof Yunus Muhammad Yunus said we are still in a war-like situation. It is a war against disinformation and to put Bangladesh back into the global map,” he said. The Press Secretary, in a Facebook post also said, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ unprecedented four-day visit was a reflection that they are on the right path. “But it is a long journey.” Alam said the law and order situation remains their “biggest challenge” and the crime figures clearly show that the situation “has not worsened” as much as projected in the local media. “But it is understandable that people don't want us to compare figures with the Dictatorship era. The expectations are high. But confidence among police officers is still low. Many urban middle class women are worried about their safety,” he said. The Press Secretary said attacks on Sufi shrines have declined sharply but some sporadic attacks continued to happen. “More than 50 Hizb-ut Tahrir men have been arrested. But people want more success in our fight against extremism,” he said. The Commerce Adviser set strategies to boost supply of every essential food item for Ramadan and the goals were achieved in a stunning fashion, Alam said. Bangladesh dismisses Tulsi Gabbard's remarks as misleading and damaging “Inflation has been declining for three months in a row. And in February it was the lowest in 22 months. The airlines and concerned authorities were told to bring down air ticket prices, especially for travels to Saudi Arabia, our biggest manpower market,” he said. Alam said the prices came down by 75 percent and digitalisation has been progressing at a record pace. “Chittagong Port operations are monitored every minute. Highest diplomatic efforts were mobilised to open up the UAE market.” And attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) no longer appears to be a tough job, said the Press Secretary. “The last few months the tide has appeared to turn. By September, we are poised to see major foreign investment in Chittagong Port. Raising the efficiency of the Chittagong Port was thought to be a difficult proposition,” Alam said. “Now we can see the silver lining. Once the Chittagong Port becomes more efficient, it will have a multiplier effect on the economy,” he said, adding that more FDI will come in manufacturing. “When that happens, prices of essentials would decline. Customs revenue would grow steeply.” In the first few months, much of the energy of the interim government went to fixing a broken bureaucracy, an outdated and “very inefficient diplomacy” and a discredited police department, Alam said. As a result, he said, the work and the reforms that the Chief Adviser and the Council of Advisers wanted to accomplish early were slow. Alam said intensified street protests too occupied much of the interim government’s work and every day they were busy firefighting. “A day was like a month with so many things happening.” This will be most important visit by any Bangladesh leader, says Ambassador Yao ahead of Dr Yunus' visit He said six floods in some of the unlikeliest regions of the country complicated things. “Prices escalated as floods wiped out standing crops and vegetables. Low police morals further deepened woes. Although murders and rapes largely tied the trends of the previous years, robberies increased. Many people vented their anger online.” Alam said things began to change as the interim government fixed the bureaucracy and implemented deadline-based work culture. Laws were drafted in record time. He said the ministries and departments were given deadlines to achieve their goals. “The doables -- the low hanging fruits -- were targeted.” The press secretary said the two-decade long KEPZ land problem was resolved in record time. “The ministries were told to deliver the land mutation by February 6. It was delivered right on deadline,” he said, adding that the Starlink deal was given 90 working days to deliver. “It looks like we will get it much before the deadline.”

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has been granted the status of Senior Secretary. A notification in this regard was issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday (February 18). The notification stated that during his tenure as the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, he has been accorded the rank of Senior Secretary. Govt enters second phase as national consensus talks begin: Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, a senior journalist who was head of AFP in Dhaka, was appointed as the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser on August 13 last year, following the fall of the Awami League government due to a mass uprising on August 5. At that time, he was granted the rank of Secretary.

Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said bringing Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh and putting her on trial in person is the government's top priority. “We want to bring her back and put her on trial in person. The people of Bangladesh want to see her trial. Bringing her to justice is our top priority,” he said in response to a question on whether her trial would be held in absentia. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Shafiqul Alam said she has been accused of committing crimes against humanity in the recently published UN human rights report. “A huge pressure is being created (on India to extradite Sheikh Hasina) following the UN report and other reports from some human rights groups,” he said. Dhaka to remind Delhi about its request for Hasina’s extradition: Ministry Referring to a recent survey conducted by India Today, the press secretary said 55 percent of Indians support Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to Bangladesh, a certain percentage want her sent to a third country and only 16-17 percent of Indians want she should be allowed to stay in India. He said Sheikh Hasina had run a brutal dictatorship for 15-16 years, which is clearly outlined in the 127-page UN report. “I think the pressure (on India to extradite her) would increase after this UN report,” he added. Shafiqul Alam said the government asked India to extradite her and the pressure will continue to exert pressure on the issue. “Our main goal is to bring her to Bangladesh and put her on trial,” he said. Complete lack of remorse on Hasina's part leaves Asif Nazrul stunned CA’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar was present at the briefing.

CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that today’s meeting between political parties and the National Consensus Commission of the interim government will determine the future vision for Bangladesh. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, Shafiqul Alam described the meeting as an "historic day." He explained that the session with political parties marks the beginning of important discussions on shaping the country's future. He said that this was a preparatory meeting and that 26 political parties and alliances, comprising nearly 100 politicians, were participating under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. BNP, Jamaat, others start meeting with National Consensus Commission "We have invited all the parties, and they have all participated. The BNP is being led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and Jamaat-e-Islami's Deputy Amir, Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Taher, is also present," Alam said. The Press Secretary said Dr Yunus remarked that the first phase of the interim government’s tenure, covering the first six months, has concluded. "Today marks the start of the second phase of this dialogue. There is support for the Bangladesh we aim to build," Alam said. "Major countries have voiced their support…'We stand with you in your efforts, he added. Consensus Building Commission: Chief Adviser to address first meeting with political parties Saturday The press secretary also mentioned that the United Nations also fully supports the process. "The UN's Human Rights Commission report has shed light on the horrific killings that occurred here, revealing who gave the orders and how the rights of the people were violated. The entire world, including the people of Bangladesh, stands behind the vision of a new Bangladesh that we are working to build."

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday laid emphasis on the importance of living together in society, stressing Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ “message of reconciliation” is a very powerful message. “It was a very powerful message of reconciliation from his (Dr Yunus) part,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, adding that the government is committed to ensuring the trial of those involved in crimes and killings during the July mass uprising. Alam said Bangladesh’s vast majority people are peace-loving and they want to do politics peacefully. “We would like to see the beginning of that environment (for politics)” Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present. Earlier, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus called for "reconciliation" after the July mass uprising that brought an end to the "brutal regime" of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with killing and enforced disappearances being the hallmarks of her 15-year long dictatorship. Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for Dec 2025 “Our country's future depends on our ability to overcome conflicts. We must find a way forward together," he said, urging all to remain on guard against any moves to perpetrate violence or cause bloodshed. “We will not indulge in injustice. Those who break the law will face its consequences. But for those who haven't, we will tell them that 'You have caused me a lot of pain, but I will not do the same for you. This is your country, too. The country belongs to all of us. We all are children of this soil’,” said the Chief Adviser. "They need to be brought to the right path. They need to be told that what you have done was wrong. You have to make them understand that their path is wrong and they should apologise for what they have done. This is how our country should move forward. Constant conflict will only hold us back," he added. Press Secretary Alam said the national consensus-building commission, led by Dr Yunus, will hold its first dialogue with all political parties on February 15. Trial should be fair, there shouldn’t be any injustice: Dr Yunus Regarding “Operation Devil Hunt”, the Press Secretary said it was directed to make sure that in no way innocent people are affected and no one’s human rights are violated. There have been specific directives.” He said the Chief Adviser directed that the violation of human rights will no way be allowed. “We are very serious. We are seriously monitoring this.” The Press Secretary said the government is taking measures and the outcome is there has been no attack over the last couple of days. Govt working to arrange polls by December: Fakhrul “We are highly concerned about people’s security. We are committed to ensuring everyone’s security. We are doing this,” he said.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday accused the “fallen” Bangladesh Awami League (AL) of carrying out an “orchestrated campaign” against Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus portraying him as a “militant leader” surrounded by militants.     “Look at their messages – their message is 3000 police died, their message is Yunus is a militant leader; their message is Yunus is surrounded by militant leaders. It is a very well-orchestrated campaign,” Alam said, adding that the India media is also involved in this campaign. Pointing finger at the AL people, the Press Secretary said Hasina’s (Sheikh Hasina’s) oligarchs are spending millions of dollars to create a new narrative challenging the July mass uprising in their efforts to make the global community understand that it was not an uprising but a big conspiracy. The Press Secretary was speaking at a launching ceremony of a book titled “Droher Graffiti - Graffiti of Treachery: The Mass Uprising of 24' by BSS journalist GM Rajib Hossain at Jatiya Press Club as a special guest. No role in Hasina’s attributed remarks, clarifies India BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was the chief guest at the event. JPC President and Editor of the Daily Kaler Kantho poet Hasan Hafiz presided over the event. Senior Journalists Quader Gani Chowdhury, Syed Abdal Ahmed and others spoke at the event. Press Secretary Alam said that the Awami League and the “fallen autocracy, the mother of thieves and the mother of disappearances” want to challenge the narrative of Bangladesh. Referring to Dr Yunus’ decades of public life and his global repute, he said they need to document all the incidents. Alam said they, through research, will let all know the facts and hold seminars in all the campuses so that “fallen autocrat and her followers” cannot make a return.  The Press Secretary referred to the period after the 1971 Liberation struggle to 1972 and observed that they were weak in documentation. Vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence should strongly be condemned: India Stating that Dr Yunus has called on everyone to remain calm, Alam said their job is to highlight the horrors of 15 years through research. “We will hold seminars in every campus. We will write the injustices she had done on every wall, so that the dictatorship that fell in Bangladesh and its associates cannot return. We have to do this.”