Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said it is crucial to move beyond humanitarian interventions and shift focus towards the reconstruction of Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. "Let D-8 therefore kickstart a process, with an approximate estimation of the costs of reconstruction in Palestine and Lebanon," he said, adding that they can thereon press on formulation of international strategies for resource mobilization. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while delivering the speech during a special session on humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi chaired the session. Prof Yunus urges focus on attitudes, ethics in skilling young workforce The United Nations has cautioned that removing the 40 million tonnes of rubble left in the wake of Israel’s bombardment could take at least 15 years, Dr Yunus said. "We understand that the rubble may contain over 10,000 bodies of the deceased. And this is also contaminated with asbestos," he said. Dr Yunus said Bangladesh commends the government of Egypt for convening this special session. "We gather at a time when Israeli aggression and the 14-month long brutal genocide against the Palestinian people continue unabated in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Words should suffice little," he said. To say the least, Dr Yunus said, they are in utter dismay at Israel’s blatant disregard to long-held international norms, laws and conventions. "The ways the hostilities in Lebanon are spreading, there are heightened fears of further escalation. This can lend to dire and long-term consequences for peace and stability across the region, impacting global society and polity, not just economy," he said. Dr Yunus urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 issues for improved ties From Cairo, Dr Yunus said, they must voice their unity and unwavering commitment, in solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters, at this existential time in their history. "Throughout our history, Bangladesh has stood firmly in support of the Palestinian cause. We consistently condemned the illegal occupation and the violent repression carried out by Israel," said the Chief Adviser. He said they remain steadfast in advocating a just and lasting solution, through a two-State solution to the crisis, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and harmony. "Palestine has to emerge as a fully independent and viable State based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," Dr Yunus said. "This is what we also articulated in detail before the International Court of Justice this February as the Court finally called Israel's occupation illegal, in its Advisory Opinion," he added. Bangladeshis are profoundly concerned over the current state of affairs and Palestinians are no expendable people, Dr Yunus said. "Every Palestinian life matters." The Chief Adviser said it is not an issue that merely concerns the Muslims. "Rather, a universal cause where human dignity is tested. It is about universal pledge to protect the vulnerable. It is indeed our moral duty to stand by them, resolutely." There are around six million Bangladeshi migrant workers and expatriate professionals, across the region, including in Lebanon who have been making significant contributions to the development of the countries across the Middle East, Dr Yunus said. Dhaka seeks ‘comprehensive roadmap’ for Rohingya repatriation "Their safety and security are at risk. We call upon all actors and stakeholders, indeed beyond the region, to take decisive and collective actions to end the brutalities unleashed by the Israeli forces," he said. The massacres in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, are clear violations of international law, and constitute war crimes. "Those responsible must account. That is why, last November, Bangladesh stood up at the International Criminal Court asking for expeditious investigations into the heinous crimes against humanity," Dr Yunus said. Such actions on accountability can deter the perpetrators against further and future atrocities, he said. "Alongside, let us intensify our efforts on realisation of a viable two-State solution," Dr Yunus said.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus reached  the Egyptian capital on Wednesday to attend the D-8 Summit. The Minister of the Public Business Sector of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mohamed Shimi, received him at the Cairo International Airport when he reached there at 11 am (local time), said the Chief Adviser's press wing. Later, the Chief Adviser held a brief meeting with the minister. Earlier in the morning, Dr Yunus left Dhaka on a three-day visit to Egypt. The flight carrying Chief Adviser Prof Yunus departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:20am Wednesday. Heads of government from several more countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, will join the summit on December 19. Read: CA Dr Yunus leaves for Egypt to attend D-8 summit

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus left  Dhaka early Wednesday on a three-day visit to Egypt to attend the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo. The flight carrying Chief Adviser Prof Yunus departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:20am Wednesday, saud CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Heads of government from several more countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan, will join the summit on December 19, Azad said. D-8: CA Dr Yunus set to embark on Egypt tour tonight Referring to the theme of this year's D-8 Summit, “Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs: Shaping Tomorrow's Economy,” he said this summit is important for Bangladesh as the chief adviser has been speaking for utilising the strength and potential of youths after taking over the charge. “He (CA) always wants our youths to flourish with their full potential and he has been working to this end. Now he will get a scope to work on it in a global forum (D-8),” he said. Besides, the Chief Adviser will deliver a lecture in the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, said Azad. This week marks an "important moment" for the D-8 with the 48th Session of the D-8 Commission meeting held in Cairo. Over the next few days, key discussions will unfold, culminating in the 21st Session of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers on December 18 and the highly anticipated 11th D-8 Summit on December 19. Bangladesh already in middle-income trap: Debapriya These meetings will bring together leaders to strengthen economic cooperation and outline a shared vision for sustainable development among member states. The D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Taking into account the recent surge in COVID-19 cases worldwide, Bangladesh has decided to host the 20th session of the D-8 Council of Ministers on Wednesday in a hybrid format. The level of participation of the meeting has been augmented with the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey who are expected to join the meeting virtually, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Deputy Ministers of the other D-8 Member States are expected to join the meeting in-person. Food and energy security, trade, tourism and climate change are some of the areas that will get focus at the 20th session of the Council of Ministers of D-8, also known as Developing-8. While briefing the media on Sunday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said energy and food security is a global issue that will be discussed at the meeting as there is much scope for cooperation in these areas. “We are giving much importance on food security. Food security issue will be discussed largely. We would like to share our expertise with other friends. There is a much scope for cooperation,” he said. Read: D8 has huge potential to develop as a strong economic block, says PM On energy security, Momen said it is being discussed everywhere and it remains a hot topic globally. “We must ensure energy security. It will be discussed.” He said though some of the D-8 countries showed maturity in the tourism sector, Bangladesh has scope to do more and gain through cooperation. Momen said though the intra-trade is growing the D-8 countries can do more on this front. “We will discuss on how the trade can further be expanded,” he said, adding that the intra-trade is likely to be boosted through proper implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed on 13th May, 2006 in Bali, Indonesia is regarded as one of the most tangible outcomes of D-8 cooperation in trade. The foreign minister said the D-8 meeting to be held on July 27 will take decision about Azerbaijan’s membership. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the meeting joining it virtually, Momen said. Bangladesh also hosted the 45th session of the D-8 Commission from July 25 to 26. The D-8, also known as Developing-8, is an organization for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. The establishment of D-8 was announced officially through the Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State/Government on June 15, 1997. The objectives of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation are to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and improve standards of living.

Bangladesh has said the D-8 has the responsibility to not only deal with intra-regional inequalities but also global ones through pro-active deliberations and associations. Secretary (West and ICT) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury made the observation while inaugurating the 44th Session of the D-8 Commission. Bangladesh, as the current Chair of Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), hosted the two-day 44th Session of the D-8 Commission meeting that ended on Tuesday in Dhaka. Also read: Intra-D-8 trade: Transport connectivity gets focus in Summit Chaired by the D-8 Commissioner of Bangladesh and Director General (International Organizations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Wahida Ahmed, the meeting was attended by the D-8 Secretary-General Ku Jaafar Bin Ku Shaari and Commissioners/delegates of the D-8 Member States. The meeting focused on issues related to the six priority areas of cooperation of D-8- trade, agriculture, food security, industrial cooperation, energy and minerals, transportation and tourism. In his welcome remarks, the D-8 Secretary-General urged the D-8 Commissioners to focus and work on the implementation of the currently available mechanisms of the Organization such as the PTA and Visa and Customs agreements. The Chairperson, and D-8 Commissioner of Bangladesh briefed the meeting about the lucrative incentives offered by the Government of Bangladesh to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and invited the meeting to invest in Bangladesh. The Commission welcomed her proposal to host the inaugural meeting of the relevant authorities of the Member States on the D-8 Special Economic Zones in 2022 in Bangladesh. The D-8 Commissioners reviewed the concept note drafted by Bangladesh on forming a Working Group to tackle the economic adversities of COVID-19 pandemic among the D-8 Member States, and committed to come up with pragmatic proposals to boost the vulnerable sectors under this adhoc Working Group. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the current Chair of the D-8. Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together She assumed the Chairmanship of the D-8 from the President of Turkey on April 8, 2021 at the 10th D-8 Summit.   The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for development co-operation among the following countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.

The D-8 countries on Thursday agreed to explore the possibilities of developing and enhancing transport connectivity among D-8 Member States to facilitate trade and investment, including the intra-D-8 trade. “There’s a lot of opportunities and possibilities. We’ll take initiatives to boost trade and investment and create jobs,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a virtual press conference after the 10th Summit. State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present. Dr Momen said they believe that trade and investment among the D-8 countries will be increased through cooperation.   The Summit adopted two documents – “Dhaka Declaration 2021”, and “D-8 Decennial Roadmap for 2020-2030.” Dr Momen said the D-8 leaders commended and supported the idea of the government of Bangladesh to engage the youth and ensure their participation in the new reality of 4IR through hosting the first-ever D-8 Youth Summit. Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together If nurtured properly, the demographic asset of more than 50 percent of the D-8 populace under 24 years of age could become the fulcrum that boosts up economic growth of the Member States, according to Dhaka Declaration 2021.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said it is now more important than ever to work together for building a better future. “... the world is now passing through a critical period. The Covid-19 pandemic has created havoc on the global economy. It’s now more important than ever to work unitedly for building back better [future],” she said while delivering her closing remarks at the 10th D-8 virtual Summit as the new D-8 Chair. Bangladesh hosted the summit virtually participated by leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered the opening remarks as the current Chair of D-8 and handed over the D-8 Chairmanship to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Also read: PM Hasina for harnessing potential of youths Sheikh Hasina, a founding member of the organisation, has taken over the charge as the D-8 Chair for the next two years for the second time. Sheikh Hasina said hearing statements and suggestions from the D-8 leaders she felt hopeful and confident that working together, the D-8 can create a better tomorrow for the one billion-plus people in the Member States.

Leaders of the D-8 countries will discuss ways to boost trade, investment, ICT, address climate challenges and Rohingya issue as its 10th Summit is set to be held this (Thursday) afternoon virtually.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit to be participated by the leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. Also Read: 10th D-8 Summit today; Bangladesh to become chair for 2 years Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the Chairmanship of the D-8 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology.”  The Summit, scheduled to begin at 3pm, is likely to adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021.” Bangladesh is hosting the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of Covid-19 new normal scenario. Also Read: 10th D-8 Summit: D-8 leaders to meet virtually Thursday The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh will take all the pragmatic initiatives to open new avenues of cooperation among the D-8 Member States with the aim of making this Group even more vibrant, active and effective.  In order to minimise the worsening effects of Covid-19 on the world economy, he said, Bangladesh wants to explore all the avenues for economic recovery through collaboration among the D-8 Member States.  "Bangladesh believes in a free and equitable access to markets for not only products but also services. It would obviously facilitate D-8 governments and private sectors to come together to highlight how D-8 Member States can deepen connectivity, networking and collaboration in light of experiences of the Covid-l9 era," Dr Momen said while addressing the D-8 19th Council of Ministers (COM) as Chair of the COM.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999. The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living. Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6. On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh will take all pragmatic initiatives to open new avenues of cooperation among the D-8 Member States with the aim of making this Group even more vibrant, active and effective.  In order to minimise the worsening effects of Covid-19 on the world economy, Dr Momen said, Bangladesh wants to explore all avenues for economic recovery through collaboration among the D-8 Member States.  Also Read: Bangladesh proposes postponement of Dhaka D8 Summit "Bangladesh believes in a free and equitable access to markets for not only products but also services. It would obviously facilitate D-8 governments and private sectors to come together to highlight how D-8 Member States can deepen connectivity, networking and collaboration in light of experiences of the Covid-l9 era," he said. The Foreign Minister was addressing the D-8 19th Council of Ministers (COM) as Chair of the COM.  Foreign Ministers of D-8 Member States including immediate past chair and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and D-8 Secretary General Ambassador Ku Jaffar Ku Shari joined. Since the overall objective of the global organisation is to improve Member States’ life and livelihood situation through multiple approaches, Dr Momen hoped to create a D-8 digital marketplace, and create a suitable-for-all resilient post-pandemic cooperation model to ensure the common interests of all member states.  Also Read: DDhaka to host 10th D-8 Summit virtually in Dec or Jan "As the whole world is experiencing an unprecedented global public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I personally feel the urge that, we, the D-8 Member States need to stand together more than ever," he said.  After chairing the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation for two years during the period of 1999 – 2001, Bangladesh is going to hold the Chairmanship of the D-8 for the second time after two decades.  "This is happening at a time when we are celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and we are also observing the Golden Jubilee of our independence," he said.  Moreover, Dr Momen said, recently Bangladesh has fulfilled the UN criteria for graduating from the LDC Group of countries.  "We are indeed honoured and happy for having the opportunity of chairing the D-8 at this historic moment," he said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit on Thursday to be participated by the leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the Chairmanship of the D-8 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021.” Bangladesh is hosting the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of COVID-19 new normal scenario that will focus on trade, investment, mineral resources, tourism, ICT, climate and Rohingya issues. “These are the things we’ll try to focus on through dialogue and discussions,” said Foreign Minister Dr Momen. He said they will seek support from all for a “durable solution” to the Rohingya crisis and address the challenges posed by climate change. On trade issues, he said there is a lot of potential to boost trade among the D-8 member states which remained untapped.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999. The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living. Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6. On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit. The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening of intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit on Thursday to be participated by leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the D-8 Chairmanship to Prime Minister Hasina. Before the Summit, the 19th D-8 Council of Ministers will be held virtually on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will lead the Bangladesh side. The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021”. Also read: D-8 Youth Summit: Dhaka for achieving SDGs engaging youth Bangladesh will host the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of COVID-19 new normal scenario that will focus on trade, investment, mineral resources, tourism, ICT, climate and Rohingya issues. “These are the things we’ll try to focus on through dialogue and discussions,” said Foreign Minister Momen. Dr Momen said they will seek support from all for a “durable solution” to the Rohingya crisis and address the challenges posed by climate change. On trade issues, he said there is a lot of potential to boost trade among the D-8 member states which remained untapped.  Prime Minister Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999. Also read: Dhaka for promoting intra-trade, investment in innovation among D-8 members Through the 10th Summit, Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of D-8 for the term of two years from Turkey which will create a new avenue for Bangladesh to share its development success story globally and will help expand its relations with the outside world, Dr Momen said. The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve the member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living. Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6. On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit. The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening of intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.