Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on Sunday held "fruitful discussions" and shared their ideas to take the relations between the two countries to a new height. They witnessed the signing of two instruments- MoU on bilateral consultations mechanism and agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders- to further strengthen the relations. The two leaders had a tete-a-tete which was followed by a delegation-level meeting. CA Yunus to hold talks with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta today to strengthen ties Dr Yunus and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta appeared in a joint press conference at the Chief Adviser's Office after the bilateral meeting.

Reiterating the importance of essential reforms before the national election, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has hinted that an announcement regarding the reform and election process will be made later this month, outlining how it will proceed and meet the expectations in line with the vision for a new Bangladesh. In an interactive session with the envoys of European countries at the Chief Adviser’s Office on Monday, Prof Yunus referred to the Election Reform Commission and said there are certain reforms that are required to finish before the election to avoid old-fashioned problems. Dr Yunus said they have to wait for the report to incorporate those proposals in the election process.  “If the government holds the election now, it will be an old-fashioned one and all the old-fashioned problems will come back.” Meeting between diplomats from EU member states, CA Dr Yunus underway Prof Yunus highlighted the interim government's commitment to building a new Bangladesh that requires new policies and a new institutional framework, and said the political parties are very interested in holding the election. "We are also interested in holding the election."

The meeting between diplomats representing 27 European countries, stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi, and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is underway. The meeting started at 12 pm at the CA’s office, according to CA’s press wing. Earlier on Sunday, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director General (Public Diplomacy wing) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said both sides will explore new areas of cooperation, in addition to discussion on the Rohingya crisis, GSP+ facilities in the post-LDC era and partnership and cooperation pact with Bangladesh. Indian FS Vikram Misri to brief media this afternoon The European Union (EU’s) trade relations with Bangladesh are based on unilateral trade preferences granted by the EU since 2001 under the GSP Everything but Arms (EBA) duty-, quota-free market access arrangement for the LDCs. This is the first time when 27 ambassadors from the European Union will come together to discuss with the government. CA Dr Yunus reiterates key reforms to hold free polls The reason for this meeting is to express the EU's support and develop high-level cooperation in the economic field. Twenty ambassadors from 20 European countries are based in New Delhi and seven in Dhaka.

Urging all not to pay heed to any instigation, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday sought cooperation from the religious leaders so that the government can proceed together freely to build a new Bangladesh fully free from any fear. “Let’s first get rid of anger and instigation. We seek cooperation from you all,” he said, alerting the faith leaders of Bangladesh that the members of the “ousted” political group may do something provocative, staying from home and abroad if they get any scope. 'We are all Bangladeshis': Dr Yunus tells religious leaders   Prof Yunus laid emphasis on joint efforts to identify who are instigating and advised them not to pay heed to any provocations. “We have no problems among us,” he said during his meeting with faith leaders of Bangladesh at Foreign Service Academy, highlighting his government’s desire to have a new Bangladesh where all the citizens will live with communal harmony. The Chief Adviser said they want to create such an environment where there will be no fear among people. “We are talking about communal harmony. We all agree that we have harmony. I want to add one thing to the harmony – that is fear. Along with harmony, we have fear in our minds too,” he said while delivering his closing remarks. Political parties assure Dr Yunus to uphold Bangladesh's sovereignty In his opening remarks, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said the responsibility of the state is to ensure the people’s rights guaranteed by the Constitution and sought cooperation from religious leaders in getting accurate information if any attack on minorities happens in the country. “We want to know the accurate information and want to establish the process of getting the information accurately,” he said at the meeting held at Foreign Service Academy. The Chief Adviser invited them to join the talks to know how information can smoothly be received in a safer way so that information providers do not fall in any trouble. He said incidents of attacks on minorities may take place in the country but information must be gathered immediately if such incidents happen, and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Prof Yunus said all the people of the country have equal rights. He stressed taking measures to create an environment to prevent such incidents and ensuring immediate remedy for victims. “I think most of the people of Bangladesh agree with what I have said,” he added.   Entire world needs to know Bangladesh united: Dr Yunus Recalling his speech, he delivered on his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport just before the formation of the interim government, he said they all are a family despite having differences of opinions. "We are the members of the same family.  We are not enemies to each other. We all are Bangladeshis," he recalled what he said before. Referring to his visit to Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja, the Chief Adviser said Durga Puja was celebrated with festivity in the country while people from all walks of life joined it. He said there is a gap of information between the ground reality and the reports published by the foreign media. Prof Yunus suggested that all citizens should be free from anger and fear first and move forward building a tolerant Bangladesh, without changing its structure, where there will be no accidents or if any accident happens, it could be addressed. “Once we can build such a country, it will be a successful one. We are waiting for this. Allah has given us the opportunity to imagine such a state and advance to it. I am seeking your cooperation to this end…and it is possible,” he said. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus said the people of Bangladesh are living in peace but any incident may make people angry. “It should be mitigated…we must mitigate our anger   so that it does not become the reason for another incident,” he added.   Asking all not to respond to any provocation, the Chief Adviser said the ousted political group is creating provocation in such a way that it does not seem an instigation. Mentioning that instigation is also being created due to external reasons, he said the country’s people should learn how to address their provocation so that they do not become victims. Bangladesh is being targeted time and again due to instigation, Prof Yunus said, stressing the need for addressing it at state level, not individually. Dr Yunus seeks more Swedish investment The leaders of different religions, Muslims, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist, joined the talks. Prof Yunus on Wednesday declared that no force could undermine the solidarity forged since August 5 or deprive the nation of its hard-earned freedom. "The nation stands on a solid foundation, and it will remain steadfast. No one can break our unity or strip us of our freedom," he said in his concluding remarks during his meeting with political leaders. He acknowledged the presence of differing opinions among the people but emphasized that there was no division regarding the collective unity of the nation. CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised The Press Secretary hoped that the citizen groups, Bangladeshi diaspora, political parties, and civil society would raise their voices against the massive misinformation campaign against Bangladesh.

Dhaka, Dec 5 (UNB) - Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said the responsibility of the state is to ensure the people’s rights guaranteed by the Constitution and sought cooperation from religious leaders in getting accurate information if any attack on minorities happens in the country. “We want to know the accurate information and want to establish the process of getting the information accurately,” he said in his opening remarks during a meeting with faith leaders of Bangladesh at Foreign Service Academy. Political parties assure Dr Yunus to uphold Bangladesh's sovereignty The Chief Adviser invited them to join the talks to know how information can smoothly be received in a safer way so that information providers do not fall in any trouble. He said incidents of attacks on minorities may take place in the country but information must be gathered immediately if such incidents happen, and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Prof Yunus said all the people of the country have equal rights. Entire world needs to know Bangladesh united: Dr Yunus He stressed taking measures to create an environment to prevent such incidents and ensuring immediate remedy for victims. “I think most of the people of Bangladesh agree with what I have said,” he added.    Recalling his speech he delivered on his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport just before the formation of the interim government, he said they all are a family despite having differences of opinions. "We are the members of the same family.  We are not enemies to each other. We all are Bangladeshis," he recalled what he said before. Referring to his visit to Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja, the Chief Adviser said Durga Puja was celebrated with festivity in the country while people from all walks of life joined it. He said there is a gap of information between the ground reality and the reports published by the foreign media. The leaders of different religions, Muslims, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist, joined the talks. Prof Yunus on Wednesday declared that no force could undermine the solidarity forged since August 5 or deprive the nation of its hard-earned freedom. "The nation stands on a solid foundation, and it will remain steadfast. No one can break our unity or strip us of our freedom," Prof Yunus said in his concluding remarks during his meeting with political leaders. He acknowledged the presence of differing opinions among the people but emphasized that there was no division regarding the collective unity of the nation. CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Alam told UNB after the meeting. Entire world needs to know Bangladesh united: Dr Yunus The Press Secretary hoped that the citizen groups, Bangladeshi diaspora, political parties, and civil society would raise their voices against the massive misinformation campaign against Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to hold a meeting with religious leaders today (Thursday) after reaffirming national unity during a meeting with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday. The meeting is likely to begin at 4 pm, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. Prof Yunus on Wednesday declared that no force could undermine the solidarity forged since August 5 or deprive the nation of its hard-earned freedom. "The nation stands on a solid foundation, and it will remain steadfast. No one can break our unity or strip us of our freedom," Prof Yunus said in his concluding remarks during his meeting with political leaders. Political parties assure Dr Yunus to uphold Bangladesh's sovereignty He acknowledged the presence of differing opinions among the people but emphasized that there was no division regarding the collective unity of the nation. Prof Yunus also held a meeting with student leaders on Tuesday evening. “Prof Yunus called the students to help rebuild the nation,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB after the meeting. The Press Secretary hoped that the citizen groups, Bangladeshi diaspora, political parties, and civil society would raise their voices against the massive misinformation campaign against Bangladesh.

Diplomats representing 27 European countries, stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi, will together meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus soon in a show of support to his interim government and boost economic cooperation with Bangladesh. "Never before, 27 ambassadors from the European Union have come together to discuss with the government," said Prof Yunus. The reason for this meeting is to express the EU's support and to develop high-level cooperation in the economic field, he said on Sunday evening in his televised speech to the nation. Twenty ambassadors from 20 European countries are based in New Delhi, and seven ambassadors are based in Dhaka. The twenty European ambassadors from Delhi will come to Dhaka in the next few days to meet Prof Yunus together with the seven ambassadors based in Dhaka. Read: Commonwealth to work with interim govt to build "inclusive, prosperous" Bangladesh: ASG The ambassadors of various countries who voluntarily met Prof Yunus in Dhaka have already reiterated the commitment of their heads of government. They have started working on a completely new framework for helping the interim government. "The ambassadors who are based in Delhi have come from Delhi to meet me," Prof Yunus said. Ambassadors from many countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Singapore, and Libya, have already met Prof Yunus. He said the diplomats have assured him of increasing trade and investment, along with various bilateral cooperation.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus congratulated the Bangladesh national women's football team for clinching the title of the SAFF championship in Nepal on Wednesday. "Great achievement of our women football team," he said in a statement. "I am proud of you. The whole nation is proud of you. Congratulations to all the players who brought us this glory," Prof Yunus said. Bangladesh clinches second consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship with 2-1 win over Nepal Bangladesh's women's football team made history Wednesday, securing their second consecutive South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship title with a 2-1 victory over host nation Nepal at Kathmandu’s Dashrath Rangasala Stadium. In a repeat of their 2022 triumph, Bangladesh once again defeated Nepal in the final, cementing their unbeaten streak in the seven-nation tournament.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk on Wednesday laid emphasis on investigating all killings and highlighted the importance of freedom of assembly, expression and political participation. “When it comes to any killings – they need to be investigated irrespective of perpetrators. That’s very clear. All killings need to be investigated, that is what human rights demands. We cannot allow killings to happen with impunity," he said while responding to a question at a media briefing wrapping up his two-day visit. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were also present. It is crucial that the strong winds of change are harnessed and directed with human rights as the compass, said the UN rights chief. He said criminal justice is key, but it is crucial to ensure that charges are not brought in haste, and that due process and fair trial standards are upheld throughout, including in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). “I found the interim government to be aware of the problems with the proceedings in the International Crimes Tribunal in the past. My Office has provided comments on amending the ICT law, to bring it into line with international standards and to ensure the right to fair trial, and that justice is served without compromising due process,” he said. Turk said they will be looking at other ways that they can accompany and support this process. “I hope there will also be a public discussion on the use of the death penalty in the future. My own view, informed by the law and by evidence, is clear: the death penalty should be relegated to the past,” he added. The UN rights chief said it is key that criminal cases are not filed against individuals solely on the basis of their previous political affiliation, including members or supporters of Awami League. There are concerns that some charges are not founded on proper investigation, including a large number of murder charges against journalists. It is important not to repeat the patterns of the past, he said. “I welcome the creation by the interim government of a committee to look into this matter as a tool to address the possible proliferation of false cases. It is essential to prioritize due process,” he mentioned. Türk said to restore social cohesion and trust in institutions of the state, it will be crucial to rebuild the civic space that was progressively strangled in recent years. “This will require reforming repressive laws, as well as state institutions that have been in the habit of stifling dissent,” he said, adding that old habits die hard – only systemic change will ensure that the freedoms of expression, of association and peaceful assembly, and the right to political participation are respected. Asked about the banning of Awami League's students wing - Chhatra League using the Anti-Terrorism Act, the UN rights chief said there have been a lot of discussions about terrorism laws and the so-called war on terror. "We have seen the consequences of it because, unfortunately, the labelling of terrorism has been done in a way that has often also included people who disagree, who are political dissidents," Turk said. “So, let's not forget that Nelson Mandela, our big hero who has been healing a whole country, was considered a terrorist by the South African apartheid regime,” he added. About the proposal of banning the Awami League for the July-August killings, Turk said they hope that human rights remain the compass of any process. “And human rights law is clear about it - it promotes the freedom of assembly, the freedom of association, the freedom of political participation. Non recurrence of the past means that you are when it comes to political participation, for example, that you are guided by the very clear provision of human rights law,” said the UN human rights chief said. “You need accountability. You need justice. As I mentioned, you need truth telling. You need memorial, and you need what I mentioned as well, the non-recurrence of the past.” On the healing process, he said there needs to be national ownership for national healing to happen. “The national healing process has always to be one that is homegrown.” “This unique, unprecedented moment in the history of Bangladesh is the result of young men and women having taken to the streets – at great personal risk – to express that they had had enough of being ignored and marginalized,” he added. The UN rights chief welcomed steps taken to repeal the Cyber Security Act, and to withdraw old cases of speech crimes under this law and the Digital Security Act. He also welcomed statements by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that reinforce Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights, to social justice, and accountability, that acknowledge the need for comprehensive reforms in various institutions, including law enforcement, as well as the need to address economic inequalities. The rapid establishment of commissions to recommend reforms in the judiciary, the election system, the administration, police, the constitution, and Anti-Corruption Commission is commendable, Türk said. “I understand further commissions are being formed on health, media, labour rights and women’s affairs. In my discussions today with several of the commissioners, we discussed the importance of trust-building, inclusivity and the lessons that Bangladesh can draw from experiences in other countries that have grappled with similar issues,” he added. Türk said all these reforms could be a powerful step towards easing decades of intense political division in the country and curbing the patronage politics that have weakened its democratic foundations. The pursuit of justice for the brutal violence against protestors and other people – including children – killed and seriously wounded in July and August is a priority, he said. He was encouraged that in many of the discussions, there was a call for enhanced support of his office, including through a strengthened presence. “We look forward to concluding the discussions on the modalities of our enhanced presence in Bangladesh with the interim government,” said the UN rights chief. The invitation for his office to deploy a fact-finding mission on human rights violations in the context of protests which took place in July and August this year was an important initiative by the interim authorities. “A stronger presence in Bangladesh will enable my office to accompany and support the transition process in this area and in other areas, including by offering advice on legal, institutional, economic and social reforms, transitional justice, reconciliation, and healing,” Türk said. It is a priority for his office to support this dynamic, diverse country and its people through this period of transition, and to do everything they can to help ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all in Bangladesh, he said. The UN team might take a month to submit its report on human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. Earlier, the UN rights chief received an official invitation from the Chief Adviser to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. The office deployed a fact-finding team to Bangladesh, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday urged the country’s people to work together to create an environment where any religious community can celebrate their festivals smoothly without the need for protection from law enforcement agencies. He, however, thanked the law enforcement agencies, including the police and army, for their sincere efforts in ensuring a successful and joyous celebration of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing a programme at Dhakeshwari National Temple. He visited the temple in Old Dhaka and exchanged greetings with members of the Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. “We have created a scope for you to celebrate the puja festival with the support of the law enforcement agencies. We’ll all work together so that we do not need to do it (celebration of puja with the protection of law enforcers) anymore in the future,” Dr Yunus told the devotees. He said the government and all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, made sincere efforts to ensure a smooth celebration of Durga Puja without any untoward incidents. The Chief Adviser said all state forces, including the police, army, RAB, and Ansar, flawlessly discharged their duties despite various challenges. “It’s a tough task, but they executed it impeccably. They demonstrated that success can be achieved when everyone works together in unity. I thank them for carrying out such a tough duty during the holidays.” He also said, “We remind ourselves that arranging our joyous festivals with the help of the army, police and RAB is our failure. It’s not normal. We’re accepting this failure for now. This is our failure that we couldn’t build society in a way where a section of society can celebrate its festivals joyfully with all.” Dr Yunus said the nation does not want a society where people must celebrate their festivals with the assistance of law enforcers. “A segment of society should be able to celebrate its festivals alongside everyone else, with support from others. That’s how it should be. But we haven’t achieved that.” In this reality, he noted that students, along with the masses and workers, initiated a revolution, sacrificing their lives with the dream of building a new Bangladesh and creating opportunities for all. Dr Yunus exchanges greetings with Hindu community at Dhakeswari Temple “We want to materialise this dream. We don’t want it to remain in just words... We aim to build a Bangladesh where all our citizens can enjoy equal rights,” said Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Yunus. The Chief Adviser said a wave of festivity has swept across the country on the occasion of Durga Puja, coinciding with the opportunity for citizens to enjoy four consecutive days of holidays. He said not only the Sanatan practitioners but everyone has been celebrating the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. Regarding the formation of six commissions to implement state reforms, Dr Yunus said these reforms are essential to eliminate all the elements that people find objectionable. “This will ensure that your sons and daughters can move freely, express their opinions, and participate in any event with full rights.” He said the current government is committed to building a Bangladesh where everyone, irrespective of their caste or creed, can enjoy equal rights, security, and the confidence to move freely across the country. “This will empower them to pursue their dreams and actively work towards realising those aspirations.” “It’s possible to build that Bangladesh. It may seem like we’re discussing an imaginary Bangladesh, and indeed it feels like a matter of imagination since it doesn’t practically exist. However, it is possible to turn this dream into reality. The student-led mass upsurge has created this possibility,” Dr Yunus said.  He said it is not possible to build a new Bangladesh merely by talking without purpose as in the past. “We need to break free from this futile habit. We must identify the new elements needed for a new Bangladesh and work to establish them.” The Chief Adviser noted that while they have established some commissions for reforms, these commissions alone will not be sufficient to bring about change in the country. He said the commissions have been established to consolidate the nation's dreams into a single vision. “We’re now filled with great dreams following the student-led revolution. These dreams need a clear outline, as we are stating our intentions to amend the constitution, reform the Election Commission and the electoral system, among other things,” Dr Yunus said. Through the revolution, he said, the nation emerged from a society where all rights were concentrated in the hands of a small group, leaving the majority deprived of their rights. The Chief Adviser said everyone’s rights must be established by the state to ensure that no one is deprived of their rights and justice again. “Those who will snatch these rights must face punishment. This was the dream of the revolution. To bring this dream into a structured framework, the commissions have been formed. They will consult with all stakeholders and provide us with an outline within three months.” Dr Yunus urged everyone not to miss the opportunity to build their envisioned Bangladesh. “A great chance has arisen to reform or change this country. Don’t let it slip away. If this opportunity is lost, we may never be able to reform the state. The students and the people have given us a lamp of Alauddin (a magic lamp) in our hands. We can do whatever we desire,” he said. He also urged the people not to limit themselves to small dreams but to aspire for a bigger vision. “Be prepared to build a truly new Bangladesh and support it (reform efforts), and declare loudly that we want it (new Bangladesh),” he said.