United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas has expressed the view that the first bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok was 'very important'. "This meeting is certainly very important. It (the meeting) was essential," he said while replying to a question from reporters on Friday afternoon at his residence in the city’s Shahjahanpur area. China visit a ‘major success’ for interim government: Fakhrul The BNP leader said the Bangladesh government was trying for this meeting on its own initiative. “A meeting was needed at this time,” he said. He said bringing Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh is the demand of the time and the people. “If there was talk only about the return of Sheikh Hasina in the meeting, then I would like to add a thing that those who are her (Sheikh Hasina's) allies and trying to destabilize the country should also be sent back with her," he said. ‘Trial of Sheikh Hasina is important’ “India should immediately send Sheikh Hasina back to face trial because it is very important that a fascist is tried. This is very important not only for Bangladesh but for the whole world. No fascist should ever go unpunished.” About the Teesta issue, he said the water of Teesta River must be shared with Bangladesh. Bangladesh should build the Teesta dam. “Bangladesh will not make any compromise on the Teesta and Farakka issues," he added. Mirza Abbas said it is essential to cancel the unequal agreements made with India by the previous Awami League government. The agreements that were not implemented yet should also be annulled, he said. Vested quarter deliberately misinterpreting statement of BNP on reforms: Fakhrul About the election and reform, he said some are trying to claim that BNP loses temper when the reform is raised.  "I have a strong objection here. BNP has never been against reforms, BNP has always been in favor of reforms, and at the same time, BNP is also in favor of election,” he said. The BNP leader said both reform and election are needed. But BNP is not in favor of the reforms that go beyond the interests of the people of the country and the rights of the people, he went on.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated India's support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh during his first- ever bilateral meeting with Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. "Prime Minister Modi urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters while briefing after the meeting. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their long-standing and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship. The Indian Prime Minister underlined that India believes in people-centric approach in a relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries for a long period of time that delivered tangible benefits to people on both sides, He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossings, especially at night, are necessary for maintaining border security and stability, according to the readout issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. "Bilateral mechanism could meet as appropriate to review and take forward our ties," Modi said. Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them. He congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the Chair of BIMSTEC and looked forward to the forum further advancing regional cooperation under its leadership. The leaders agreed to enhance consultations and cooperation to advance regional integration, including under the BIMSTEC framework. We'll hold free, fair, participatory election: Dr Yunus tells BIMSTEC leaders Chief Adviser Dr Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Dr Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015. The bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit is viewed as the most significant development in Dhaka-Delhi relations since the July Uprising in Bangladesh. This was the first-ever in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since the formation of Bangladesh's interim government last August 8, following the fall of the previous government three days earlier. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim, among others, were present at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. This is the biggest India-Bangladesh diplomatic development since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, and subsequent flight to Delhi (where she remains), observers say. Earlier, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Summit. In his pre-departure statement from India, Modi said he will meet the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries to discuss ways for strengthening collaboration, keeping the interests of people in mind. Dr Yunus seeks collective efforts rising above differences to strengthen BIMSTEC "I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interests of our people in mind," Modi said as he began his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Friday enquired about the status of Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina which remains pending with the Indian government. Dr Yunus discussed the issue during the much-talked-about bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. He noted that the former Prime Minister had been making inflammatory remarks in various media outlets and attempting to destabilise the situation in Bangladesh, which seemed to be an abuse of the hospitality India has extended to her. "She has consistently made false and inflammatory accusations against the interim government of Bangladesh," Prof Yunus stated. "We request that the Government of India take appropriate measures to restrain her from continuing to make such incendiary statements while she remains in your country," said the Chief Adviser. Addressing the challenges facing the relationship between the two countries, Prof Yunus said, "Excellency, we seek to work together with you to set the relationship on the right track for the benefit of both our peoples." Dr Yunus called for discussions to renew the Ganges Water Treaty and conclude the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters after the meeting. "All issues of mutual interests were discussed. The meeting was very constructive, productive and fruitful," Alam said about the 40-minute exchange between the two leaders. The bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit is viewed as the most significant development in Dhaka-Delhi relations since the July Uprising in Bangladesh. This was the first-ever in-person meeting between the two South Asian leaders since the formation of Bangladesh's interim government last August 8, following the fall of the previous government three days earlier. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus presented a photograph to Prime Minister Modi during their bilateral meeting. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Dr Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress that took place in Mumbai on January 3, 2015. Prof Yunus also referenced the OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Report, which confirmed serious human rights violations and abuses committed by security forces and armed Awami League activists between July 15 and August 5, 2024.

Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday hosted an official dinner for BIMSTEC leaders where Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met each other, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told UNB. The Thai prime minister welcomed the BIMSTEC leaders and exchanged pleasantries at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel. She made a brief remark at the dinner which was followed by a toast. Dr Yunus posed for a photograph with Thai PM Shinawatra at the official dinner.

President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended felicitations on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh with India reiterating its commitment to advancing partnership for peace, stability and prosperity. "We remain committed to advancing this partnership, driven by our common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity and based on mutual sensitivity to each other's interests and concerns," Modi said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Modi extended his felicitations to Dr Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the National Day of Bangladesh. "This day stands as a testament to our shared history and sacrifices, that have laid the foundation of our bilateral partnership," said the Indian Prime Minister. He said the spirit of the Liberation War of Bangladesh continues to remain a guiding light for the relationship, which has flourished across multiple domains, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples. President Droupadi Murmu, in her message to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day." Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 She said Bangladesh-India relations are multi-faceted with our cooperation encompassing diverse areas such as trade, multimodal connectivity, development partnership, power and energy, education, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to people exchanges. The Indian President said Bangladesh is at the focus of India's "Neighborhood First" and "Act East" policies. "Our SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. India reiterates its support for a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," she said.

India has not responded yet on Dhaka's request, seeking a meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand early next month. "No, there has been no response," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday when a journalist asked whether there was any response from Delhi regarding the possible meeting of the two leaders. On Wednesday, Bangladesh approached India through the diplomatic channel to arrange a meeting between Dr Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. On March 21, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they have no update to share regarding a likely bilateral meeting between the two leaders. “On the meeting that you asked, a bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly briefing in New Delhi when a journalist wanted to know whether there was a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the Summit. The MEA Spokesperson also said Bangladesh-India relationship is a wide canvas and they have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues - development cooperation, economic matters and on issues of connectivity. Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements Dr Yunus is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC Summit, to be held on April 2-4 in Bangkok. Thailand will host the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of Bimstec there, officials said. Thailand has taken over the Bimstec Chairmanship from Sri Lanka since 30 March 2022. BIMSTEC consists of seven member countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently said the Summit will have some significant outcomes. "It will set a direction for the future of Bimstec," he said. Dr Yunus said Dhaka has always insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India will be the best relationship ever. Because, he explained, the fate of Bangladesh and India is tied together and they cannot be isolated from each other. “So, we are always encouraging everything to happen in the best possible way,” Dr Yunus told BBC in a most recent interview, adding that the clouds due to some fake news are not part of the relationship that the two countries enjoy. The Chief Adviser thinks Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. “We will continue to do it,” he said, describing India as a good business partner of Bangladesh.