United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay have reaffirmed their commitment and cooperation at the international, regional and sub-regional platforms, like SAARC and BIMSTEC based on the principles of shared values, mutual respect, understanding, cooperation and a common aspiration for peace and prosperity. They also reaffirmed their commitment to enduring bilateral engagements and cooperation. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Joint Working Group (JWG) to facilitate the development of the Bhutanese Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kurigram and welcomed the ongoing collaborative efforts. The leaders, according to a joint statement issued on Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the status of implementation of the agreement on the movement of ‘traffic-in-transit’, noting that the trial run of goods transport from Chattogram Port to Burimari Land Port is being completed. Bangladesh proposed supplying pharmaceutical products to Bhutan on a government-to-government basis. Bhutan key part of Dhaka’s vision for regional trade, says Prof Yunus Both sides acknowledged that such cooperation would enhance Bhutan’s access to affordable and quality healthcare supplies. At the invitation of the Chief Adviser, the Prime Minister of Bhutan is on a state visit to Bangladesh from November 22 to 24. He is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Thimphu on Monday morning, a senior official told UNB, noting that Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will see him off at the airport. The Bhutanese PM was accompanied by Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade; Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment; and senior officials of the Bhutanese government. Bangladesh, Bhutan sign 2 MoUs on internet connectivity, health cooperation The visit of Prime Minister Tobgay to Bangladesh is a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relations between the two countries, according to the joint statement. The Chief Adviser hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of Bhutan on Saturday evening. Both the heads of government held official talks on Saturday in an atmosphere of heartfelt warmth and cordiality reflecting the time-tested friendship between the two countries. The two leaders recognised with deep satisfaction the excellent state of bilateral relations and discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including trade, connectivity, and people-to-people connections. Recalling Bhutan as the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent country on 6 December 1971, Prof Yunus expressed gratitude for Bhutan's invaluable support during Bangladesh’s fight for independence. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening private sector cooperation. Prime Minister Tobgay also met business leaders from Bangladesh to explore new avenues for economic and commercial collaboration. Bangladesh appreciated the King of Bhutan’s global vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and conveyed her readiness to extend cooperation in the development of GMC in Bhutan. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the state of ongoing cooperation in various fields such as human resource development, connectivity, tourism and culture. In the presence of the two leaders, two MoUs - MoU on Trade of International Internet Bandwidth and other Telecommunication Services; and MoU on Appointment of Health Workforce were signed. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the cordial welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation. He extended an invitation to the Chief Adviser to visit Bhutan at a mutually convenient time. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enduring engagements and cooperation between the two countries and their people. BIDA executive chairman Ashik Chowdhury and National Citizen Party leaders separately called on visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at a city hotel on Sunday.  

Visiting Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has expressed his country’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors, highlighting the untapped potential for enhancing trade, connectivity and investment between the two nations. "Our two countries will support each other,” General Mirza said, adding that a two-way shipping route between Karachi and Chittagong has already begun operations, while a Dhaka–Karachi air route is expected to open within months. He paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna late Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh–Pakistan relations, including the growing importance of bilateral trade, investment and defence cooperation. First US wheat shipment arrives at Ctg port Both sides also underscored the need for deescalating tensions in the Middle East and Europe, said the Chief Adviser's press wing on Sunday. They exchanged views on the growing challenge of misinformation and the misuse of social media by non-state actors to undermine peace and stability across various regions. “Fake news and disinformation have flooded social media. It is being used to sow chaos. There must be a concerted global effort to combat this menace,” the Chief Adviser said. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDGs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were present during the meeting.  

In a significant development, China and five Central Asian nations have signed the Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation at the China-Central Asia Summit held in Kazakhstan. The treaty is to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship between the countries in the form of law, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a keynote speech. It is a milestone for today and a foundation for tomorrow," XI said while addressing the summit on Tuesday, which was attended by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Upholding the China-Central Asia Spirit. President Xi also hailed the China-Central Asia Spirit, which embodies mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development, reports CGTN. In 2020, China proposed the establishment of a China-Central Asia mechanism. In 2022, the countries proposed upgrading the mechanism to the level of heads of state at a virtual summit marking the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This proposal was realized at the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit in 2023 in the northwestern Chinese city of Xiran, where leaders agreed that the top-level gathering would be held every two years, alternating between China and the Central Asian countries. Two years on, the consensus at the first summit has been implemented across the board, Xi said, adding that the path of cooperation is steadily widening, and the friendship is blooming ever more brightly. A recent CGTN poll found that 30 percent of respondents believe the China-Central Asia mechanism is not about rivalry or competition but a framework for both sides to seek stability development, and future-focused cooperation To date, China has established comprehensive strategic partnerships, signed Belt and Road cooperation documents, and implemented the vision of buliding a community with a shared future at the bilateral level with all five Central Asian countries This fully demonstrates the high-level strategic mutual trust and the firm resolve to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, said Sun Werdong, secretary-general of the Secretariat of the China-Central Asia mechanism. High-Quality Development of the Belt and Road Initiative At the Astana summit, Xi called on the countries to act on the China-Central Asia Spirit, enhance cooperation with renewed vigor and more practical measures, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI), and forge ahead toward the goal of a community with a shared future for the region. It was in the capital of Kazakhstan in 2013 that Xi first laid out his vision for jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt, an essential component of the BRI. Through this initiative, China and the region have seen robust cooperation in trade, the digital economy and connectivity. China has become the region's top trading partner and a major investment source. Data from the General Administration of Customs showed that China-Central Asia trade reached a record $94.8 billion in 2024, with Chinas cumulative investment in the region exceeding $30 billion According to the CGTN pol, 92.4 percent of respondents agree that the BRI is an important international public good that supports high-level cooperation between China and Central Asia. President Xi also urged China and Central Asia to optimize their cooperation framework to make it more results-oriented, efficient and deeply integrated. Efforts should be made to focus cooperation on smooth trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green mining, agricultural modernization, and personnel exchanges, and to roll out more projects on the ground, he said. In order to promote relevant cooperation, China has decided to establish three cooperation centers focusing on poverty reduction, education exchange, and desertification prevention and control, as well as a cooperation platform for smooth trade, Xi added. Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University, recognized the significance of the cooperation model given the current International landscape in a CGTN opinion piece. In a global environment marked by rising protectionism, the China-Central Asia partnership represents a new model of diplomatic engagement one that respects independence promotes mutual benefit and amplifies the voice of the Global South, Cui said.

Highlighting the importance of “multilateral efforts” to overcome the global challenges, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflicts. Addressing a graduation ceremony (National Defence Course-2024), Dr Yunus said they need to be together more than ever before as global challenges do not belong to anyone or any nation alone. Prof Yunus highly appreciated the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, noting that their commitment to safeguarding the nation has been exemplary. Dr Yunus seeks more Swedish investment He said Bangladesh Armed Forces symbolises resilience, patriotism and unwavering dedication to peace and remembered their continuous efforts during national crises like disasters, political unrest and pandemics. “These demonstrate your unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of our citizens,” said the Chief Adviser congratulating the NDC graduates from home and abroad.   Besides, Prof Yunus said, their contributions to global peace through the United Nations (UN) are internationally acclaimed.   He acknowledged Bangladesh Armed Forces’ enduring contributions to the national security, development and nation building activities. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised At the beginning, the Chief Adviser remembered with great pride the legacy of all who laid down their lives during the War of Liberation in 1971 and sacrifices made by the people of all walks of life during the struggle. “This is a very special month, month of December.” He also paid tributes to all who sacrificed their lives and got wounded to make the July revolution possible with a dream to create a new Bangladesh.   Prof Yunus told the members of the NDC that as they look ahead, he is confident that NDC will continue to uphold its motto, security through knowledge.   To international course members, he said, “I trust you will act as goodwill ambassadors for Bangladesh in your respective countries and beyond the borders of your countries.”  

Bangladesh and Qatar want to expand the existing ties with broader cooperation in the areas of manpower, energy, trade and investment following the planned visit of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh next month. The two countries are in discussion to finalise nearly a dozen of cooperation documents which will be signed during the visit, said a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two-day visit is likely to take place on April 21-22, he said.  The two sides are now working on the MoUs and agreements that will be signed after the Emir’s meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Cease-fire talks with Israel and Hamas are expected to resume Sunday in Qatar The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss various aspects of the visit. In March last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha. She sought increased energy, particularly LNG, from Qatar to meet the energy demands. The State of Qatar recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign State on March 4, 1974 following the 2nd OIC Summit held in February 1974. Qatar assures support for Bangladesh's media sector development Bangladesh opened its diplomatic mission in Doha on June 25, 1975. The State of Qatar reciprocated by opening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982. Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are based on mutual respect, shared values, common religious ground, shared culture, and tradition. People-to-people contacts bolstered by more than four hundred thousand Bangladeshi workers who are highly appreciated as disciplined and hardworking is one of the dominant features of bilateral relations, according to the MoFA. Bangladesh and Qatar consider each other as brotherly countries and important development partners in materialising Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 and Qatar’s vision 2030. Read more: Bangladesh ambassador accredited to Hungary presents credentials to Hungarian president

The United States said it is looking forward to deepening relationship and cooperation with Bangladesh on a number of key issues, “regardless of political party or candidates.” "Our hope for any election taking place around the world is that they are free and fair and accessible," Vedant Patel, principal deputy spokesperson for the US Department of State, said during a press briefing on May 15 (US time) at the State Department while responding to a question. But beyond that, he said, he has nothing else to offer insight on when it comes to “political parties or candidates or anything like that.” Also Read: As per Vienna Convention, host country must ensure protection of all diplomatic personnel: US State Dept He said, last year the two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations.   Earlier, US Deputy Assistant Secretary Afreen Akhter visited Bangladesh and attended the 6th Indian Ocean Conference on May 12-13. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to learn more about Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom and democracy," she tweeted, mentioning that the Liberation War Museum movingly conveys what Bangladeshis experienced during that time.  Also Read: US doesn’t endorse one political party over another in Bangladesh: State Department.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 16, 2023) called for economic cooperation among the countries in South and Southeast Asia for mutual benefits of the people in the regions.  The prime minister said this while outgoing Ambassador of Republic of Korea, Lee Jang-keun, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. He said that PM Hasina admired South Korea’s success in transforming into a developed country within a generation. Also Read: PM delivers 4-point recommendations at 79th UNESCAP Session She mentioned that this success inspired Bangladesh in its endeavour to steer the nation towards development and prosperity. The PM recalled her two visits to South Korea, saying that during the second visit she witnessed the amazing development there. While highly appreciating the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the outgoing ambassador expressed deep appreciation for extensive cooperation and hospitality demonstrated by the PM and Bangladeshis during his tenure in Bangladesh. Ambassador Lee shared with the Prime Minister recent milestone development in relations between Korea and Bangladesh in multiple areas such as trade, official development assistance, expatriate workers and investment in the year of 50th anniversary of South Korea-Bangladesh diplomatic ties in 2023, the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka said. Read More:PM Hasina: Keep up the country’s dev momentum to foil anti-national conspirators Ambassador Lee explained that the trade between South Korea and Bangladesh crossed the $3 billion mark in 2022 and $2 billion in 2021 for the first time, which was stagnant at around $1.5-1.8 billion over a decade before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Saturday said Bangladesh and China "should deepen the strategic partnership" for cooperation and explore new growth points. "China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)," he said. In particular, the ambassador said, they are willing to promote upgrading of industries and digitalization process in Bangladesh, and to improve the quality and competitiveness of “Made in Bangladesh”. He was delivering keynote speech at a symposium as part of the Cosmos Dialogue Ambassadors’ Lecture Series entitled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Prognosis for the Future" at a hotel in Dhaka. The discussion was chaired and conducted by President of Cosmos Foundation and renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury. While delivering the welcome remarks, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation Enayetullah Khan said Bangladesh and China are moving closer together as friends on the international stage. The ties received a major boost during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China in 2019 and the watershed point of this transformation was President Xi Jinping’s all-important visit to Bangladesh in 2016, he said, adding that this heralded the beginning of the “strategic partnership”. "It is a great source of inspiration to Bangladeshis as we witness China’s peaceful rise. We know from President Xi that the Chinese people have a dream; so do we in Bangladesh as we strive to achieve middle-income status, of which we are on the cusp," Khan said. "It is my firmest conviction that ties with China will continue to form the bedrock of our efforts to fulfill these aspirations," he added. Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said it appears to all of them that China is rising; and the Chinese saw this as a peaceful rise. “Now, being even more careful, they no longer talk of ‘peaceful rise’ but only peaceful development,” he said, adding that established global powers, of course, see this as a threat. Referring to PM Hasina’s visit to Beijing in 2014 and President Xi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2016, he said these visits saw an “all-weather” friendship elevate to a strategic partnership. Dr Iftekhar said Bangladesh-China relations are, therefore, emerging as an equation in the diplomatic calculations in Asia that will not fully show for itself tomorrow, nor the day after but in the long run in a continent where time for many is not the essence. Also Read:Momen sees hope for Rohingyas' repatriation in latest Chinese initiative Ambassador Yao said his country has noticed the “Indo-Pacific Outlook of Bangladesh” released recently, and believes that many of its ideas are similar to those of China.    

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy has said his country wants to continue cooperation with Dhaka – namely, in trade and economy, and the implementation of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant – despite the "sanctions pressure by the US and the countries of the collective West" Mantytskiy said this during a meeting with the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. During the conversation Thursday, the mutual commitment to strengthening friendly relations between the parliaments of Russia and Bangladesh was confirmed, including under the auspices of the relevant friendship groups established for the exchange of the best practices of national legislation. Read more: Moscow thanks Dhaka in light of UN vote  

State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak has said there is a lot of potential for partnership and cooperation with Kosovo in the areas of e-commerce, online marketplaces and online payment gateways. “We are connected and dependent in this globalised world. The future lies in planning today for an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. We all must be on this journey together,” he said. The state minister said cooperation and partnership with software development companies and IT outsourcing in Kosovo could be an excellent opportunity for Bangladesh to start a mutual collaboration. “If you want to go fast and far, innovate together,” he said, quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and emphasised working together to build a better world. The state minister was speaking at a reception hosted by Kosovo Ambassador to Bangladesh Güner Ureya and his wife Umeri-Ureya on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of Kosovo held Sunday night at a hotel in Dhaka. Palak said Bangladesh has a strong commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation with all the nations. Ambassador Güner said despite many challenges and difficulties, Kosovars are immensely proud of the progress of their country and people. After the liberation, with the support of the majority of the international community, including Bangladesh, Kosovo had a transitional period of fewer than nine years, he said, mentioning that Kosovo declared its independence on February 17, 2008. “The Republic of Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe, has advanced remarkably in every area over the past 15 years.  Today we have a functional, prosperous, stable and multi-ethnic state with a diverse society and steadily growing economy,” said the ambassador. He hoped that his beautiful country would be recognised by all South Asian countries. “We have good dialogue with some countries which still don't recognise us, but this is not enough. We deserve and need official recognition. For example, Bangladesh, one of the South Asian countries, as well as Pakistan and the Maldives recognised us and now we have a friendly and very close relationship with them,” said the envoy. He said they also want to establish diplomatic relations and develop cooperation with other South Asian countries, such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Despite difficulties and challenges, he said, Kosovo will continue to strengthen itself, contribute to regional peace, integrate into Euro-Atlantic structures, and move forward as a respected entity of the international community. Current and former diplomats, senior officials from the ministry of foreign affairs and business leaders were present at the event. Read more: Kosovo says its excellent relation with Bangladesh a model