United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government's commitment to conducting one of the most transparent and credible elections in the country’s history, set for early February.  He expressed the hope that international observers would be present to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in Bangladesh.  The Chief Adviser held a series of high-level meetings with prominent global leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday. The Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay were among those he met. Prof Yunus briefly exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following their attendance at the UNGA's inaugural session, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.  Their short conversations touched on key topics, including reforms, undertaken by the interim government, the upcoming general election in Bangladesh and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Prof Yunus seeks WTO support for Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation Prime Minister Albanese spoke warmly of the Bangladeshi community’s growing contributions to Australia, particularly in his own constituency.  He recalled attending a commemoration of Language Martyrs’ Day on February 21 several years ago. Later, Prof Yunus met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.  The discussion focused on expanding access to health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South. They explored innovations in the financial sector, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes—and emphasised the importance of financial inclusion.  Prof Yunus highlighted the urgent need for credit access tailored to maternal healthcare, especially during pregnancy.  He proposed the use of digital health check-ups to connect rural women with top medical professionals, which could save countless lives. Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY During the meeting, Prof Yunus also called for a restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, urging for more drug manufacturers to operate as social business enterprises. “Vaccines produced by social business drug manufacturers will remain affordable,” said Prof Yunus. The Chief Adviser invited Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange, also joined the meeting. Prof Yunus also met Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. Their discussions  covered a range of shared priorities and recent global health developments. Later in the day, the Chief Adviser participated in two key events: one on Fashion for Development and another focusing on public and private sector collaboration in social innovation.  

Claiming that they have become a target of Awami League, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossen on Monday vowed that the Awami League would not be able to make a comeback amid what he called 'anti-fascist unity'. Soon after coming out from the John F. Kennedy International Airport with BNP and Jamaat leaders, Akhter Hossen and NCP’s first senior joint member secretary of Nationa Dr Tasnim Jara were confronted by a small group of Awami League supporters.  The protesters chanted slogans until the delegation entered their vehicles. At one point, eggs were thrown at Akhter Hossen. Speaking to reporters later at a hotel in New York, Akhter said Awami League activists were resorting to the same intimidation tactics abroad that they practised in Bangladesh. “We are not afraid of this. The people of Bangladesh showed the highest level of courage against the Awami League and even sacrificed their lives. They will remain united and Awami League will not be able to return,” he said. Dr Tasnim Jara, who was physically assaulted and faced verbal abuse during the incident, condemned the attack and linked it to a broader pattern of hostility towards women in politics. NCP to win 150 seats in next election, says Nasiruddin Patwary “This is nothing new. We have seen how women - who were on the front during the movement and now getting involved in politics - were targeted and undermined by the Awami League in Bangladesh. Today, we saw a reflection of that again,” she said. Dr Tasnim stressed that such incidents would not deter them from their political mission. “This cannot stop us. Many people are joining with us, and people rejected the Awami League," she said.  She said the attack was aimed not at Hossen as an individual, but at his political identity as a representative of an anti-fascist movement. “This attack shows the fear and despair of the defeated forces. It will not weaken Akhter Hossen but only strengthen his determination,” Dr Tasnim said.  The NCP and BNP leaders are part of a delegation accompanying the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  UNGA: Prof Yunus off to New York with Fakhrul, Jamaat, NCP leaders The delegation includes BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP leaders Dr Tasnim Jara and Akhter Hossen. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman is joining the delegation from the US.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus arrived at John F Kennedy International Airport on Monday afternoon (NY time) as he began his official visit with a series of meetings at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  A commercial flight of Emirates Airlines, carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage, landed at the airport at 3pm (NY time). Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport.  UNGA: More political leaders to join as Prof Yunus leaves for NY Monday He is scheduled to attend a number of events later today (Monday). BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, first senior joint member secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara and NCP leader Akhter Hossen are accompanying the Chief Adviser as part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA at the invitation of the Chief Adviser. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman will join the delegation from the USA, a political source told UNB. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are among the members of Bangladesh delegation, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Prof Yunus is set to hold a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. Upon arrival, he is likely to meet family members of deceased police officer of NYPD Didarul Islam.  On Monday evening (NY time), Prof Yunus will attend a high-level event on 'Social Business, Youth and Technology' which will be organised by Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals.  He will also attend annual SDG dinner and award ceremony.  At the General Debate (Sept 23-27 & 29), the annual meeting of heads of state and government in the beginning of the General Assembly session, world leaders will make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, officials said. The Chief Adviser will deliver his speech at the UNGA on September 26, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. 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 Chief Adviser will return home on October 2.Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Thursday said inclusion of the political leaders in Bangladesh’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year is a welcome step, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the national unity before the world, regardless of political differences. “It also offers our leaders a chance to bridge gaps and build understanding while spending time together,” he said. By including the political leaders in the official Bangladesh delegation, the Chief Adviser has once again demonstrated his wisdom and statesmanship, Azad said, adding, “Let us hope this visit proves to be as successful as anticipated.” With an elected government expected to take office in February, this year’s UNGA comes at a critical moment, Azad said. In a world unsettled by multiple conflicts, he thinks, the forum can serve as a valuable platform for Bangladesh’s political leadership to strengthen mutual understanding. “The plenary session on the Rohingya crisis following the UNGA makes the physical presence of our leaders all the more crucial for ensuring policy continuity,” Azad said. Besides, he said, meetings with NRBs and business leaders could provide valuable insights for the country’s governance in the near future.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will reach New York on September 22 to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is set to deliver his official statement and hold a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines. The Chief Adviser will deliver his speech at the UNGA on September 26, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday. Hossain said Prof Yunus, in his speech, is expected to highlight the activities of the last year and the interim government 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.

Bangladesh will now face competition from Cyprus and Palestine in the race for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026-2027 term, following Palestine’s entry as the third candidate. Bangladesh had announced its candidacy around four-five years ago during the Awami League government. "We announced our candidacy four years ago. Initially, our competition was with Cyprus. Palestine came much later and announced its candidacy without even contacting us, which is normally expected," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s nominee for the position, told reporters on Tuesday. Criticising recent media headlines, Hossain said the headline was written as ‘Bangladesh faces Palestine' but it should have been ‘Palestine faces Bangladesh,’ since Bangladesh declared its candidacy much earlier. The presidency of the UNGA rotates among five regional groups. For the 81st session, it is the turn of the Asia-Pacific region. Three countries from the region—Bangladesh, Palestine, and Cyprus—are now in the running. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986, when the then Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury was elected as President of the 41st General Assembly. Forty years later, Bangladesh is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on September 22, 2026. Elections are scheduled for June 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already finalised its diplomatic campaign and election strategy and the upcoming UNGA will be an occasion to engage extensively. If elected, Hossain will become the second Bangladeshi to serve as President of the UNGA.

Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip have resulted in at least 52 fatalities since early Thursday, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The casualties occurred as the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the territory. Al Jazeera’s sources said that 26 of those killed were targeted by drone strikes while waiting in line for aid from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a relief initiative backed by the United States and Israel. Gaza civil defence official Mohammed el-Mougher told AFP that al-Awda Hospital received around 10 bodies and approximately 200 injured individuals following an Israeli drone attack near an aid distribution site close to the Netzarim checkpoint in central Gaza. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reportedly received six more bodies from similar strikes on aid queues in the Netzarim and as-Sudaniya areas. Since the GHF began distributing aid in late May, dozens of Palestinians have died while trying to access supplies, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The GHF’s distribution method has drawn criticism from the United Nations. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), described the system as ineffective and potentially dangerous. Writing on X, Lazzarini said, “This model will not address the deepening hunger. The dystopian ‘Hunger Games’ cannot become the new reality,” calling instead for experienced humanitarian actors to be allowed to lead relief efforts. In a separate incident, two people were reported killed by Israeli shelling in the Bir an-Naaja area west of Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, according to a source at al-Shifa Hospital. 36 Palestinians killed while trying to access aid in Gaza, say officials Meanwhile, Hamas condemned what it described as a deliberate Israeli move to cut communication infrastructure in Gaza, calling it an “aggressive step” in an ongoing “war of extermination.” The group urged the international community to intervene to protect civilians and critical facilities. The communications blackout has hampered humanitarian coordination. UNRWA confirmed it had lost contact with its staff in Gaza. Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said military activity had likely severed the last remaining internet cable into the territory, leaving emergency and humanitarian services disconnected. These developments coincided with the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. The resolution passed with broad support among the 193-member body, despite opposition from Israel, which labeled the measure a “politically motivated” and “counterproductive charade.” A similar resolution was vetoed by the United States in the Security Council last week. Reporting from UN headquarters, Al Jazeera’s Gabriel Elizondo noted the resolution received two-thirds majority support, including backing from countries such as Germany, Austria, and Ukraine, which had previously abstained from similar votes. The resolution emphasized accountability, urging member states to take action to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. Israel says Greta Thunberg has been deported after Gaza-bound ship she was on was seized While the resolution is non-binding, Elizondo said the vote adds diplomatic pressure on Israel by signaling widespread international concern. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour welcomed the resolution and called for its full implementation. “This is the heart of the resolution,” he said, expressing gratitude to the countries that voted in favor, particularly Spain and others that supported the initiative. Source: With inputs from Al Jazeera

Bangladesh has reiterated its unwavering commitment to general and complete disarmament, a prerequisite for international peace and security. Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin made the call at the first committee of the United Nations General Assembly on October 8. Bangladesh called for resolute collective actions against persistent nuclear threats and underlines the inalienable rights of all states to peaceful use of nuclear energy for agriculture, healthcare and power generation. Bangladesh also called upon member states to harness artificial-intelligence for peace, not conflict, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The foreign secretary also made statements at the second committee of UNGA79. He highlighted the need to chart specific actions to deliver "Pact of theFuture," comprehensive reform of the global financial system, including sovereign debt architecture, strong Climate Actions, addressing illicit financial flows, and resilience through economic diversification, youth driven solutions, technological investment and human capital development.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said there is no scope now for anyone to grab power illegally in Bangladesh and the violators have to face the music. “If anyone comes to power, creating trouble and violating the constitution, then s/he will face punishment. It should not be forgotten,” she said. The prime minister made the remarks while addressing a press conference at Bangladesh Permanent Mission in UN here. She is now in New York to participate in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Will continue to promote democracy as per constitution: PM Hasina says in UNGA She said if anyone other than only elected representatives wants to come to power through an alternative way, they will have to face punishment. “It will have to be kept in mind. They will have to face the music,” she said. The PM said she has been in power facing many obstacles emerging from  inside of the country. If the people vote for Awami League, the party will come in power again. Don’t forget the Rohingyas: PM Hasina urges Int’l community Pointing to those who are saying that they would impose sanctions, if an attempt is made to thwart the election, she said, “I would like to say that this attempt to thwart the election should not be made from outside the country as well.” She said if it is spoiled (the election) from outside the country, the people of Bangladesh will also impose sanctions. “We would like to see that no attempt is made from outside the country as well,” she said. Noting that she introduced the slogan that ‘I cast my vote on my choice’ in the country, she said her party was able to establish it. The people are now conscious enough over their voting rights, she added. PM will address UNGA on Friday Focusing on the electoral reforms made by her government, the premier said now the ballot boxes are transparent and there is no scope for filling the boxes with fake votes. The electoral rolls are made including photographs. These (the electoral system) were reformed, she added. She said the law regarding constitution of the Election Commission was made by none other than Awami League. “We’ve made the electoral process transparent. We’ve given the Election Commission the absolute financial freedom,” she said. She said the EC was once under the control of the Prime Minister’s Office. “The Election Commission is now completely independent. It is the Awami League government that made it. It’ll have to be kept in mind,” she went on. Hasina said she would like to tell those who are becoming worried about the election of Bangladesh that the people are the source of power and the owners of the state as per the article-7 of its constitution. In reply to another question about the new visa policy announced by the USA in case of undermining the election in Bangladesh, the PM said the people voted spontaneously in many elections, by-elections and local body elections held during the regimes of Awami League. She said AL came in power, getting the mandate of the people in the election. “So, we also want the election to be free and transparent,” she added. Noting that opposition (parties) was also mentioned in today's announcement, she said it is good from one perspective that BNP can’t go for thwarting the election like they unleashed arson violence to obstruct the 2014 election and resorted to violence and attacked  police to spoil the 2018 election. The PM said they should impose sanctions, considering who starts undermining the election first. “If only the Awami League is targeted, I’ve nothing to say,” she said. Responding to a question if Saima Wazed would be picked for the next leadership position, Sheikh Hasina said, “The possibility is very slim. The people of Bangladesh and my party (Awami League) will decide who will come to the leadership or not in future.” In reply to a question over corruption, she said many people now try to tarnish the image of Bangladesh by publishing news exaggerating tiny things. This evil-attempt is very harmful for the image of the country, she added. She said her government doesn’t spare anyone in case of even any small corruption. She questioned how Bangladesh would have been able to witness such a huge development if such corruption had taken place. The PM asked the Bangladeshi expatriates to send remittance through legal channels and not pay heed to rumours.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left Washington DC for Dhaka wrapping up her 18-day official visit to the UK and the USA. A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier and her entourage left Washington at about 6:30 pm (local time). Read: Hasina invites MBS to visit Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Muhammad Imran and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith saw the PM off at the airport. She will have a stopover in London before reaching Dhaka early Tuesday. Hasina went to London on September 15, on an official visit to the United Kingdom mainly to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and a reception hosted by King Charles III. Read:PM in NY: Rohingyas living in Myanmar’s Arakan since 8th century On September 19, she left London for New York. During her stay in the USA, Sheikh Hasina addressed the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23. She also took part in several events on the sidelines of the UNGA.

The United Nations General Assembly returns to its full, in-person, i.e. pre-pandemic format restored for the first time in three years this week. That doesn’t mean the frictions and even the fault lines in the international community that the dreaded Coronavirus exposed, or some might say exploited, have gone away of course. In fact, they are providing the flavour to the exchanges taking place, whether in the cavernous General Assembly Hall where leaders take the lectern to address upto 200 country delegations, or any of the countless sideline events that have sprung up to form an important, vibrant ecosystem for the ideas that seek a better world, there has been an edge to this year’s early exchanges that no seasoned observer will have missed. Take the traditional state-of-the-world address that the secretary-general delivers each year, formally commencing the session. Usually this can come off as a dose of milktoast, and most years they tend to be forgotten even before they’re finished. Now it is true that the current secretary general, who used to be the elected head of government of a UN member state in his past life, has seemed prepared to challenge such conventions, since taking up the position in 2017. Yet it was the no-nonsense language, the gloomy tone and the focus not only on the breadth of challenges confronting what he called “the splintering world,” but also the stark and often controversial solutions he offered that made this year’s secretary-general’s address a landmark, a marker in the sand. Read: What PM said on Russia-Ukraine war, Rohingya issue, climate action, terrorism at 77th UNGA Admonishing “the international community” – of which he could be asserted as first citizen – as “unready or unwilling” to tackle the big, global challenges of our times, he would go on to depict this as an abdication of responsibility, for which any castigation would be well-deserved. Drawing the attention of the world leaders, Gutierres listed the war in Ukraine, the spreading of conflicts that can be contained, climate change of course, ending extreme poverty and achieving quality education for all children as the most pressing issues of our time, for which solutions are still available, as long as the leadership is ready to steer us there. David Scheffer, a former U.S. ambassador-at-large for war crimes issues who is now a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, has already called it “the most consequential speech by a secretary-general in the history of the United Nations.” Although that may sound a bit hyperbolic, you could see how the spirit of the secretary-general’s speech could come across as a real clarion call, at a time when the world is hungering for some real leadership. Read: PM Hasina in New York to attend UNGA Meanwhile over at the Security Council, the UN’s highest decision-making body, you had some real fireworks as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken came face-to-face with Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, for the first time since the start of the war. A phone call in July was the only other contact they had in this period – this is where the potential of UNGA week makes your eyes light up. The meeting was called to discuss allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses by Russian forces. But Lavrov turned up 90 minutes late, was in a foul mood while he was there – which was understandable given that almost everyone else was rounding on Moscow – and walked out when the Ukrainian ambassador was called on to make a statement. “Insults, accusations and talk of war crimes and nuclear holocaust dominated the world’s premier diplomatic stage,” wrote the New York Times in its recap of the meeting. It seems the forum, no matter how hallowed, can only take you so far, when even leaders fail to see eye-to-eye. Read: UNGA lauds Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting culture of peace