United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has highlighted the importance of regional economy and integration, noting that working together can offer fantastic opportunities for the region and beyond. Speaking at a private business reception held on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha on Tuesday evening, Prof Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s unique position in South Asia, surrounded by landlocked neighbors like Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern states, collectively known as the ‘Seven Sisters’. If these neighbouring regions are granted access through Bangladesh, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh could emerge as a vibrant economic hub, powered by an educated, tech-savvy youth population. “I would say Bangladesh is an amazing country with immense possibilities and potentials,” he said, calling upon the foreign investors to explore the immense business opportunities in Bangladesh, citing the country’s strategic location, youthful workforce and economic potential. He extended an invitation to foreign enterprises to consider Bangladesh as their next production hub, assuring full cooperation from his interim government. DP World discusses investment opportunities with CA Prof Yunus “We are offering ourselves—make Bangladesh your production hub. Relocate your factories here, and we will provide all-out support,” he said. The Chief Adviser noted that a recent investment summit in Bangladesh received an overwhelming response from international investors, which he said reflects growing global confidence in the country’s economic prospects. "We had tremendous responses from the global investors. We are very happy to invite you and look at Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser also emphasised Bangladesh’s demographic advantage, pointing out that the nation of approximately 180 million people is the eighth most populous in the world, with more than half of the population under the age of 37. “These young people have access to technology and knowledge, and they are ready to take the country forward,” he added. Referencing the recent nationwide student-led uprising, Prof Yunus praised the role of young women in the movement. “It was a powerful and inspiring sight to see young girls leading demonstrations across the country,” he said. He also spoke of his interim government's efforts to repair the nation’s institutions after what he described as years of damage caused by the previous 16-year regime. Dr Yunus urges Bhutan to make investment in Bangladesh Reforms are underway in the economy, judiciary, and other critical sectors, he noted. At the end of this process, Prof Yunus said, they will hold the election. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, SDGs Affairs Secretary Lamiya Morshed, and Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam were present.

Four Bangladeshi female footballers and cricketers spent a busy day on Tuesday as they accompanied Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Earthna Summit. The four players—footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana—joined the Chief Adviser in the opening ceremony of the summit at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The Chief Adviser introduced the four players to the guests in the opening ceremony, highlighting their achievements and the background of female sports in Bangladesh. The four players earlier were welcomed by Qatar Foundation officials at the opening ceremony.  Qatar Foundation officials interviewed the four players during the Summit. The players later met Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Foundation and the host of the Earthna Summit, with the Chief Adviser on their side. The footballers and cricketers shared the challenges they face as female athletes in Bangladesh. Qatar agrees to work on technical details for proposed land-based LNG terminal in Bangladesh Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, herself a top former Qatari athletes also the sister of Qatar Amir, carefully listened to the Bangladeshi players and showed her eagerness build a special dormitory, gymnasium and practice facilities for Bangladeshi female athletes. “We shared our life experience with the Qatari princess today. It is an amazing experience for us. We are really grateful to the Chief Adviser for bringing us here with him,” said footballer Afida Khandaker. The Chief Adviser introduced the players to British actor Idris Elba as the latter joined the summit as a special attendee. In a historic first, the four national female footballers and cricketers are accompanying Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during his visit to Qatar. Qatar Foundation invited these female players to accompany the Chief Adviser to Qatar. The Chief Adviser is now on a four-day visit to Qatar to attend the Earthna Summit.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday introduced four female athletes from Bangladesh with global participants at the inaugural session of the Earthna Summit. The Chief Adviser, while delivering his speech at the Summit, introduced four national female athletes from Bangladesh, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB. The delegation includes footballers Afeida Khandaker and Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana. They attended the welcome reception with the global participants of the Earthna Summit on Tuesday morning. During the meeting with the Vice Chair of Qatar Foundation, they discussed sports collaboration between Bangladesh and Qatar especially girls sports including development of fields and facilities, organising regional camps and friendlies, also possibly creating a fund for athletes to become entrepreneurs once their sports career is over, said SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed. Qatar to take 725 soldiers from Bangladesh: Shafiqul Alam This is the first time a group of female athletes is travelling as part of an official delegation with a head of government of Bangladesh, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Qatar Foundation extended the invitation to the athletes through the Chief Adviser’s Office. They are thrilled to be part of this visit and said it not just a personal honour but also a proud moment for their teammates and the sports community in Bangladesh. They added that they hoped to invite the Qatari women's football team for a friendly match and were eager to explore Qatar's sports facilities and professional training methods.

Noting global efforts that continue, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said global leaders must come together to ensure the safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya people to their homes in Myanmar. "The protracted crisis in Myanmar continues to threaten regional stability," he said while speaking at the opening session of the Earthna Summit. For years, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh has hosted over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, bearing significant social, economic and environmental costs. The UN Secretary-General recently visited the camps in a gesture of solidarity. Prof Yunus shares five key initiatives for sustainable future at Earthna Summit In today’s crisis prone world, the Chief Adviser said, wars and conflicts erode rights and disrupt economies.  "Peace and stability are fundamental prerequisites for any meaningful and sustainable development," he said. Prof Yunus said the world must not ignore the humanitarian crises that affect people from Palestine to the Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Impunity and blatant disregard for human rights are threats to development anywhere in the world, he said. The ongoing suffering in Palestine concerns not just a region but all of humanity. Palestinians are not expendable, Prof Yunus said. The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” is highlighting Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems. The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future. Bangladesh wants to be beacon of hope for the world, says Prof Yunus at Earthna Summit The Earthna Summit 2025 is exploring a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables. Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb is hosting a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend at least 10 events, including delivering his speech at the Earthna Summit-2025 on Tuesday as he begins a series of engagements in the capital city of gas-rich Gulf kingdom. Prof Yunus will attend the opening ceremony of the Earthana Summit - 2025 from 9am to 10am (Doha time), his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.  In his inspiring speech, the Chief Adviser is likely to highlight the role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities for marginalised communities. 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. Prof Yunus arrived at Hamad International Airport in Doha at 9:40pm, local time.  He was received with a red carpet reception by Ambassador Ibrahim Fakhroo, the Chief of Protocol of Qatar and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Md. Nazrul Islam upon his arrival at Hamad International Airport. 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. Qatar, once one of the poorest Gulf states, is one of the richest countries in the region today. Prof Yunus will attend the welcome reception with VVIP guests of the Summit before joining the opening session of the Summit. The reception will be hosted by Sheikha Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson & CEO of Qatar Foundation at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. After the opening session of the Summit, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of the Amir of the State of Qatar and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, will meet Prof Yunus.  Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairpersonand CEO, Qatar Foundation will be present during the meeting. Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of QFFD and Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, Assistant CEO for International Operations Sector of Qatar Charity will also meet the Chief Adviser separately.  Prof Yunus will attend the lunch to be 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.  Prof Yunus in Doha to attend Earthna Summit with series of meetings planned 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. 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. 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 there will be an investment Summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects positive response. CA Prof Yunus' Arrival in Qatar  Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar. Press Secretary Alam said the visa issues will also be discussed. 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. Earthna Summit The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” highlights Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems. Want to be good, close neighbours, says Prof Yunus seeking stronger Dhaka-Beijing ties  The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future. During the two days – April 22-23, the Earthna Summit will explore a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables. Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb will host a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration. A number of side events by partners will host a series of networking activations and discussions lead by local stakeholders. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home on April 25.