United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said Bangladesh needs a reliable partner in aerospace technology and it would be a win-win situation for both Bangladesh and Turkey if they cooperate with each other. On the sidelines of the ‘Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025’, Adviser Hossain had a meeting with the President and CEO of ‘Turkish Aerospace’, Mehmet Demiroğlu, and discussed the issues. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Türkiye and other senior officials from both sides attended the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh, Türkiye eye stronger trade ties Both sides reached a consensus to explore the options for investment in Bangladesh and for transfer of related technologies for human resource development. Upon invitation from the Adviser Hossain, the Turkish side agreed to send a high-level delegation led by the CEO to Bangladesh to explore the existing opportunities and the future cooperation in the field of aerospace technology.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday recognised people’s hopes for a future of greater democracy, justice and prosperity in Bangladesh as the country undergoes a 'significant transition' under the leadeship of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts toward a just, inclusive and prosperous future," he told reporters at a joint briefing at a city hotel together with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, Guterres assured that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing. "You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the people of Bangladesh to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all," said the UN chief. He underscored Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity in responding to the Rohingya crisis. The Secretary-General said as they come together in this sacred month of Ramadan, it is more important than ever to focus on solidarity and shared humanity. In this spirit, he said, they will continue standing with the people of Bangladesh as ‘you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead’. "I am deeply honoured to share this moment with you. May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and renewed hope to all," Guterres said. For years, he said, the people of this nation, especially the communities in Cox’s Bazar, have hosted over a million refugees fleeing violence and persecution. By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost, he said. "The world must not take this generosity for granted. I will continue to urge the international community to take greater responsibility and provide the necessary financial and political support for both the refugees and their host communities," Guterres said. In Cox’s Bazar on Friday, he mentioned that they are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. "With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024," Guterres said. This would have terrible consequences, starting with the drastic reduction of food rations, he said.   "That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer and people will die. I strongly appeal to the international community to allow us to avoid this tragedy," Guterres said. The United Nations is fully committed to working with Bangladesh and others in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis that enables their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar, he said. UN chief Guterres opens new "UN House in Bangladesh" Planning is also well underway by UN Member States for a High-Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. "We know the situation there continues to deteriorate. The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders," Guterres said. He called on all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root. Guterres joined a roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders. UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental. Guterres later joined another dialogue with youths and a meeting with members of civil society at the same venue. Earlier in the morning, UN Secretary-General Guterres officially opened a new "UN House in Bangladesh" in the city. Industries, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present. The UN chief visited the new UN Common Premises to view the 50th anniversary photo exhibition and joined the official UN flag-raising. The visit followed a meeting with UN Country Team Bangladesh. Secretary-General Guterres met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh, including its contributions to peacekeeping. UN views Bangladesh's reform issues as internal matter, says BNP The Secretary-General and the Chief Adviser discussed the situation of the Rohingya and Bangladesh’s domestic issues. The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process, according to a readout shared by the UN.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said both Dhaka and New Delhi agreed to have "good working relations" by removing the remaining problems. "We - both sides - agreed that we need to reach a good working relationship," Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referring to his recent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman. He said businesses have already picked up and apparently reaching to previous level but there are still some issues like visa related problems. Hossain said Jaishankar was looking positive. Responding to a question, the Adviser said they did not specify any challenges but acknowledged that there are some challenges that need to be removed to take forward the relations. Hossain-Jaishankar talks recognise challenges, highlight importance of working together Hossain said he invited Jaishankar to Bangladesh, mentioning that there is a mechanism at Foreign Minister-level and the previous such meeting was held in New Delhi during the previous regime. He said Bangladesh will make arrangements for Jaishankar's visit once a convenient date is found. Asked about deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, Hossain said there was no specific discussion on this but they discussed issues in general. He said that it is an independent issue and Bangladesh requested her extradition following the court order. Asked about pausing US funding, the Adviser said it is not a Bangladesh specific issue and Bangladesh has nothing to do at this moment but needs to find ways to survive. On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), Adviser Hossain met his Indian counterpart Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman on Sunday. At the meeting, they recognised the challenges the two neighbours are facing in terms of bilateral relations and discussed the necessity to work together to address those. Meanwhile, both sides at the level of Directors General of BGB and BSF held a meeting in New Delhi on February 18-20. Various border-related issues were discussed and resolved during the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Conversations focused on our bilateral relationship, as also on Bimstec," Jaishankar said after the meeting in Muscat. Dhaka committed to boosting Indian Ocean partnership: Foreign Adviser Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit to be held in Bangkok on April 4. Foreign Adviser Hossain emphasised the importance of initiating the discussion for renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. He also highlighted the importance of holding the meeting of the Saarc Standing Committee and requested consideration of the government of India in this regard. The two sides discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concerns and interests. Recalling their last meeting on the sidelines of UNGA in September 2024, both noted that since then the two countries have participated in various bilateral engagements. The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India at the level of Foreign Secretaries was held in Dhaka on December 9, 2024. The Energy Adviser of Bangladesh participated at the India Energy Week events in New Delhi on February 10-11, among others.

Bangladesh and India on Sunday recognised the challenges the two neighbours are facing in terms of bilateral relations and discussed the necessity to work together to address those. On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain met his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman. Both sides also said that a meeting at the level of Directors General of Border Guarding Forces of the two countries is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 18-20. They hoped that various border-related issues would be discussed and resolved during the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Conversations focused on our bilateral relationship, as also on Bimstec," Jaishankar said after the meeting. Dhaka committed to boosting Indian Ocean partnership: Foreign Adviser Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit to be held in Bangkok on April 4. Foreign Adviser Hossain emphasized the importance of initiating the discussion for renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. He also highlighted the importance of holding the meeting of the Saarc Standing Committee and requested consideration of the government of India in this regard. The two sides discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concerns and interests. Recalling their last meeting on the sidelines of UNGA in September 2024, both noted that since then the two countries have participated in various bilateral engagements. The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India at the level of Foreign Secretaries was held in Dhaka on December 9, 2024. The Energy Adviser of Bangladesh participated at the India Energy Week events in New Delhi on February 10-11, among others. Foreign Adviser Hossain is attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) being organised in Muscat, Oman on February 16-17 by the government of the Sultanate of Oman in association with the Indian government and India Foundation. The theme of the 8th IOC is "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”. The Adviser spoke at one of the plenary sessions on the topic of ‘Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains’. BGB-BSF border talks begin in New Delhi tomorrow He explained the multifaceted challenges that endanger the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of maritime supply chains and holistic approach and collaboration required for strengthening maritime supply chains by overcoming disruptions and enhancing resilience. Among others, he also called for easing visas and other administrative processes for the seafarers, ensuring facilities for them, as their roles are crucial in maintaining the maritime supply chain. Ministerial delegations from more than thirty countries and several regional organisations, including Saarc, Bimstec and IORA attended the meeting. On the sidelines of the 8th IOC, the Foreign Adviser also had meetings with the second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of VietNam and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania and discussed various issues of mutual interests. The Foreign Affairs Adviser is also scheduled to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman on Monday.