United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has highlighted the importance of building institutional readiness, stressing that effective election management is the foundation of a credible democracy. The EC, with support from the United Nations, has launched a nationwide series of regional trainings aimed at strengthening the capacity of election officials in preparation for the upcoming national elections. “Through these training programmes, we are building not only skills but also the confidence and commitment needed to ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” said the CEC. He said this training marks a milestone in our preparation for the upcoming elections. “The practical modules will enable our officials to replicate lessons across the country, enhancing capacity and confidence at every level.” Next election to determine Bangladesh’s future direction: CEC The first of 10 three-day regional trainings concluded on November 7 in Dhaka, bringing together election officials from the region for hands-on sessions focused on crisis management, cybersecurity, gender equality, human rights and media and elections, said UNDP on Sunday. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed and Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO Dr Susan Vize, UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh, UNDP Resident Representative, Sonali Dayaratne, were present. The training is part of the UN Electoral Assistance BALLOT and DRIP projects, implemented jointly with UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO. The nationwide training series will continue in nine other regions over the next several weeks, reaching hundreds of EC officials. The initiative, UNDP said, reflects the Election Commission’s strong commitment to professionalism, inclusion, and transparency in the electoral process, ensuring that every vote counts and every voice matters. BNP to meet CEC Thursday to raise concerns over EC’s neutrality

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who arrived in Dubai International Airport on Wednesday evening, is scheduled to reach home on Thursday morning. An Emirates Airlines commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage is scheduled to take off from the Dubai International Airport at 2am on Thursday (Dubai time). The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return home before 9am on Thursday (Dhaka time). Prof Yunus left New York on Tuesday night (US time) for Dhaka, concluding a nine-day visit marked by extensive engagements during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). An Emirates Airlines commercial flight carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11:10 pm (US time). Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury saw him off at the airport, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Prof Yunus began his UNGA tour on September 22 and concluded it by attending the high-level conference on the “Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities” held at the UN General Assembly Hall on Tuesday. Prof Yunus leaves New York for Dhaka He delivered his address at the 80th UNGA on September 26 and held a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the session. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Jamaat’s US spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party member secretary Akhter Hossen, and first senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Jara joined the delegation at Prof Yunus’ invitation. Speaking broadly at the UNGA, Prof Yunus warned, the “truth before us is frightening” and stressed that “extreme nationalism, geopolitics that thrive on the suffering of others, and indifference to human pain are destroying the progress humanity has built through decades of struggle”. This tragedy is most visible in Gaza, he said, adding that the two-State solution must be implemented now. Prof Yunus described three goals on which young people must be able to build the future: zero carbon, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment. “Let the dream of a three-zero world be the dream of all nations.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought support from United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing that the next few months will be crucial as the country is heading towards the national election. "We need your support for the election," Prof Yunus said, highlighting that the ousted regime and its allies are funding disinformation campaigns using stolen assets in a bid to destabilise the country ahead of the vote. The UN Secretary-General expressed his full support and solidarity with Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and reform initiatives. He made the remarks during a meeting with the Chief Adviser at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday (US time). Prof Yunus led a high-level delegation that included Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Miah and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including political reforms, preparations for the upcoming general election scheduled for February, accountability for the atrocities committed during the July Uprising, global trade concerns surrounding protectionist tariff measures, and the upcoming International Rohingya Conference set for September 30. One of India’s specialties right now is fake news: Prof Yunus The Chief Adviser briefed the Secretary-General on the reform measures undertaken by the Interim Government and its commitment to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election. “They do not want an election in February. Certain international quarters are backing them,” he added. In response, Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN's strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform agenda. Prof Yunus urges global rights defenders to monitor Bangladesh ahead of polls

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to deliver his speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday night (Bangladesh time), outlining Bangladesh’s positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the crucial February election. The chief adviser will address at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly between 9pm to 1am (Bangladesh time), Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. His address will be broacast live on BTV, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. The chief adviser's turn is expected to come at around 11:30am (NY time Friday), a senior official told UNB. Prof Yunus will convey Bangladesh’s commitment to holding a 'free, fair, peaceful and credible' election in the first half of February next during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh. People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The global attention is turning to the iconic green marble podium in the General Assembly Hall, where presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs are delivering national statements, setting out visions for peace, development, human rights and collective action amid mounting global challenges. Under the theme Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights, this milestone session is taking place amid rising global challenges and urgent calls for renewed multilateral action. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Prof Yunus, in his speech, is expected to highlight the activities of the last year and the interim government’s commitment to true democracy through reforms and elections scheduled for February next year. He is expected to address a wide range of pressing global issues, including peacekeeping, climate change and climate justice, the Sustainable Development Goals, illicit financial flows, safe migration and migrant rights, sustainable technology transfer in the age of artificial intelligence, as well as a call for ceasefire and permanent peace in Palestine. Prof Yunus seeks Dutch cooperation in water management, ocean research Prof Yunus began the UNGA tour on September 22. The foreign adviser said this year’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) holds special significance for Bangladesh. On September 30, the UN will, for the first time, host a high-level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar. The decision stems from a proposal made last year by Prof Yunus, which received unanimous support from UN member states. In preparation for the conference, Bangladesh organised the first-ever “Partners’ Dialogue” in Cox’s Bazar last month, bringing together international partners and Rohingya representatives. “This unprecedented high-level meeting, combined with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh earlier this year, demonstrates that despite multiple global crises, the Rohingya issue remains firmly on the international agenda,” Foreign Adviser Hossain said. “This UNGA session offers Bangladesh a vital opportunity to present its reform process, democratic transition, and national priorities to the international community,” Hossain said. In his speech, the chief adviser is expected to focus on three key areas—reform, justice, and elections—highlighting initiatives taken over the past 14 months and the challenges faced in advancing the democratic process. “Prof Yunus also has some personal messages for global leaders, which he will share, addressing broader geopolitical and global issues,” the press secretary said. The Rohingya crisis will also feature prominently in his address, as he seeks stronger global support for a sustainable solution.  

Leaders from around the world began arriving Monday at the United Nations as it faces one of the most turbulent periods in its 80-year history. The global challenges are immense: ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine, shifting U.S. foreign policy, widespread hunger, and rapidly evolving technologies that outpace global governance. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said last week, “International cooperation is straining under pressures unseen in our lifetimes.” Despite these challenges, the annual high-level General Assembly gathering brings together presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs from roughly 150 of the 193 U.N. member states. Guterres emphasized the importance of the meeting even in difficult times. “We are gathering in turbulent — even uncharted — waters,” he said, citing “our planet overheating, new technologies racing ahead without guardrails, inequalities widening by the hour.” He plans to use more than 150 one-on-one meetings with world leaders and ministers to encourage dialogue, bridge divides, mitigate risks, and seek solutions — from conflicts and climate change to regulating artificial intelligence and funding U.N. 2030 goals, including ending poverty and ensuring quality education for all children. “Leaders must make progress, not merely engage in posturing and promises,” he said. But observers remain skeptical. With no ceasefires in Gaza, Ukraine, or Sudan, whether the high-level meeting can achieve meaningful outcomes is uncertain. Richard Gowan, U.N. director at the International Crisis Group, said three issues will likely dominate: U.S. President Donald Trump’s first appearance in his second term, the crisis in Gaza, and the U.N.’s financial and staffing challenges following cuts to U.S. contributions. Gowan noted the nearly two-year Gaza conflict is central, as Israel has launched a major offensive in Gaza City and a U.N.-commissioned report accused Israel of committing genocide — a claim Israel rejected as “distorted and false.” Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour emphasized, “Palestine is going to be the huge elephant in this session of the General Assembly.” Abbas will address the assembly via video after the U.S. refused him a visa, following a resolution allowing it. More than 145 countries already recognize Palestine, and Mansour told The Associated Press, “it's going to be 10 more” at Monday’s meeting. The assembly also plans a Security Council discussion on Gaza. Other key topics include Trump’s speech on Tuesday, climate change, Sudan, Somalia, Haiti, and U.N. reform. Guterres aims to rally support to make the U.N. more responsive amid a 15% budget cut and a 19% reduction in staff for 2026. Gowan said the U.N. remains vital despite its struggles: “The U.N.’s resonance on peace and security issues is unquestionably not what it was, but I think that the organization will continue to muddle through.”

The United Nations on Monday expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of Afghan women and girls by the Taliban for allegedly violating the group’s strict dress code regulations. In May 2022, the Taliban authorities issued a decree mandating that women cover their bodies fully, showing only their eyes, and recommended the wearing of the full-body burqa. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have increasingly enforced restrictions on women’s appearance and public behavior through so-called morality laws that prohibit women from revealing their faces outside the home. According to the UN mission in Afghanistan, “numerous” women and girls were arrested in Kabul between July 16 and 19 for allegedly failing to adhere to hijab rules. “These incidents serve to further isolate women and girls, contribute to a climate of fear, and erode public trust,” the mission said, without disclosing the number of arrests, the ages of those detained, or their current whereabouts. Syrian forces returning to Sweida after deadly Druze-Bedouin clashes The mission also called on the Taliban government to “rescind policies and practices” that restrict the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls, particularly the ongoing ban on female education beyond sixth grade. A Taliban representative was not immediately available for comment. In January 2024, Afghanistan’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice reported that women had been arrested in Kabul for wearing “bad hijab.” Ministry spokesman Abdul Ghafar Farooq did not clarify how many women were detained or what specifically constituted a “bad” hijab. At the time, the UN said it was investigating allegations of mistreatment and extortion related to the women’s detention and release. The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Since then, the administration has pursued international recognition while enforcing its interpretation of Islamic law. In July, Russia became the only country to grant formal recognition to the Taliban government.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said Bangladesh would welcome any support from the United Nations in its investigations into the incidents of enforced disappearance that occurred over the 15 years of the previous regime. “I wish the United Nations were associated with our ongoing enquiry into the incidents of enforced disappearance. It would give the process some strength,” said Prof Yunus. The Chief Adviser made the comments when the visiting United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) Vice-Chairperson Grazyna Baranowska and member Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. The UN officials lauded the initiatives of Bangladesh’s Interim Government in addressing the issue of enforced disappearances, particularly the country’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), but emphasised that there was still much to be done. The UN officials also praised the work and commitment demonstrated by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. The Chief Adviser said that the government was extending the tenure of the Commission until December. “Even though they got threatened in many ways, the commission is doing an important job. When they submitted the last report, I told them there should be a horror museum for visitors. We need your support too. We need assistance and collaboration,” said the Chief Adviser. Baranowska remarked that they had been trying to work on enforced disappearances in Bangladesh since 2013,  and thanked the Interim Government for setting up the enquiry commission. “Investigation commission and its work-- this is a huge commitment from your government. Thanks very much for that. It’s a big honour for us.. ” she said. UK officials brief Prof Yunus on HMS Enterprise for Bangladesh Navy The CA expressed his satisfaction that Bangladesh could welcome the UN team here after more than a decade of their trying. “We are extremely happy that you’re here after 13 years of waiting. We would like you to support the work of our Commission and keep your association with them to provide guidance and strength," he said. Baranowska said they would visit outside Dhaka and hold meetings with victims, civil society, and political actors.  

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Wednesday said they are working with the government and NGOs to prioritise life-saving assistance, including food, healthcare, shelter and protection, noting that the Rohingya refugee response remains a ‘critical challenge’. “We have a huge funding shortfall. In 2024, we mobilised USD 580 million under the Joint Response Plan for refugees and host communities. However, 2025 funding is expected to drop significantly and already has,” she said while speaking at ‘’DCAB Talk’ at the Jatiya Press Club. The UNRC said they are trying to prioritise the most urgent needs of the community and they will continue to provide the basic support. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event where DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke.  The UNRC said they remain ‘deeply concerned’ about the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. She commended Bangladesh’s generosity as a host country and reaffirmed their commitment to a rights-based, solutions-oriented humanitarian response. Supporting preparations for credible elections among priorities in 2025: Gwyn Lewis “We aim to better equip the Rohingya for early, voluntary and sustainable return to Myanmar when conditions allow,” Lewis said. Over 1.3 million refugees reside in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. Under government leadership, the UN and partners continue to provide life-saving support. Looking ahead, Lewis said the UN in Bangladesh remains committed to being a principled, effective and responsive partner. Responding to a question on humanitarian corridor, the UNRC said she does not know from where the humanitarian corridor terminology came from but it would require an agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar. “As far as I know there has been no agreement yet between Myanmar and Bangladesh to provide support through the corridor,” she said. Lewis said a humanitarian corridor is quite a formal legal issue, and it requires agreement between sovereign states. But there is no humanitarian corridor in place as such, and they have not been involved in any discussion to establish such a corridor, she said. The UNRC said if there is an agreement, the UN can support it. "But that agreement that I understand has not been established yet." Lewis thinks any initiative to improve cross-border relations or to support people that are impacted by the conflict in Myanmar is very welcome and very supported by the UN. This week, she met Chief Adviser Professor Yunus and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to human and economic development, governance, human rights and gender equality. “I reiterated our support for the Rohingya response, especially ahead of the high-level conference in September,” Lewis said. Prof Yunus, in his meeting with the UNRC on Tuesday, highlighted the urgent need for sustained international solidarity and enhanced support to address these funding shortfalls and assist the Rohingya population in a better way. The Rohingya crisis remains unresolved and the prospect of their repatriation continues to be uncertain with the complex situation in Rakhine.  

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched an emergency response in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, shortly after early warning signals were issued. In a proactive move, the WFP, in coordination with the government, initiated support through its anticipatory action mechanism. A total of 6,500 people received Tk 5,000 (US$43) per family, transferred directly to their mobile wallets. The early support enabled families to purchase food and essential supplies, safeguard their homes, and prepare for the potential impact of the disaster, said a WFP press release. “As always, climate shocks hit hardest in communities already living in poverty and facing high food insecurity. Because we acted early, families had a chance to prepare and face the storm with greater resilience and dignity,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh. To respond to climate shocks throughout this year, WFP has developed a four-phase emergency preparedness and response plan. It includes anticipatory action before the emergency hits to help people prepare; emergency food rations immediately after; financial support for affected people to access food as markets begin to reopen; and cash-for-work and income-generating activities to help communities recover quickly. The plan aims to reach over six million of people at risk – although the actual number could be far higher – but faces a funding gap of US$55 million, with anticipatory action making up the largest share. UNICEF halts key education programmes in Bangladesh amid aid fund crisis “Anticipatory action gave families a chance to prepare – to buy food, secure their homes, and stay safe. But this window is narrow, and resources are limited. We are calling on partners to act with us – early, fast, and at scale – to protect lives before the next wave of flooding hits,” added Scalpelli. WFP’s latest response is part of a growing national effort to strengthen early action in Bangladesh. In 2024, over 15 AA frameworks were activated by UN agencies, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, INGOs like CARE, Save the Children, and STEP, and the Start Fund. This year, 46 agencies are expected to implement AA frameworks, with increasing national leadership and expanded coverage of hazards like heatwaves, landslides, and droughts. WFP’s anticipatory action is generously supported by partners including the European Union and donors contributing to our global Trust Fund — such as Germany and Ireland. They also acknowledge pooled funding and multilateral support, including from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and donors like Belgium, whose contribution enabled our recent AA response in Teknaf. Meanwhile, in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, home to over one million refugees, continuous rainfall has triggered flooding and landslides, affecting nearly all 33 campssaid the release. WFP is delivering fortified biscuits and hot meals to displaced families. However, additional funding of US$2 million is urgently needed to replenish local stocks of fortified biscuits – an essential, vitamin-enriched ration that is ideal for emergencies and has been widely used in Bangladesh’s School Feeding Programme for over two decades, it said.

The United Nations fears that more than 400 Rohingya refugees may have drowned in two separate shipwrecks off Myanmar’s coast earlier this month, marking what could be the deadliest maritime tragedy involving the persecuted group this year. In a statement released on Friday, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said it is deeply alarmed by reports of two maritime disasters on May 9 and 10. Initial findings suggest that a boat carrying 267 people sank on May 9, with only 66 survivors, while another vessel carrying 247 capsized the next day, with just 21 surviving. UNHCR said the Rohingya on these boats were either escaping from Bangladesh’s sprawling Cox’s Bazar refugee camps or fleeing conflict-hit Rakhine State in western Myanmar. The UN described the twin shipwrecks as potentially the most lethal incidents at sea involving Rohingya refugees in 2024. UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote on X that the tragedy highlights the desperate plight of the Rohingya and the increasing challenges they face, especially as international aid dwindles. UNHCR requires $383.1 mln in 2025 to stabilize lives of Rohingyas, host communities Since facing decades of systematic persecution in Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled the country, often embarking on perilous sea journeys in search of safety. The crisis escalated in 2017, when a brutal military crackdown forced over a million to flee to Bangladesh. Around 180,000 now face the threat of forced return to Myanmar, while many of those who stayed in Rakhine remain trapped in dire conditions. The humanitarian situation worsened after the military coup in 2021, which toppled the elected government and intensified conflict between the junta and ethnic rebel groups like the Arakan Army in Rakhine. Hai Kyung Jun, head of UNHCR’s Asia-Pacific bureau, said the deteriorating conditions and funding cuts are pushing more Rohingya to undertake deadly journeys in search of safety and dignity. UNHCR estimates that 657 Rohingya have died at sea in 2024 alone. The agency is urgently appealing for international support, noting that its $383 million funding target for 2025 remains only 30% met. Major humanitarian efforts have suffered due to reduced contributions from key donors, including the U.S. and other Western nations, which are shifting priorities toward defense spending amid global tensions. Source: Al Jazeera