Dhaka is ready to welcome José Ramos-Horta, the President of Timor-Leste, as he arrives here on a four-day official visit starting Saturday night. He will be accompanied by a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister. President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a special Singapore Airlines flight. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will receive the President with a guard of honour and a red carpet reception. Key Meetings and Agreements During his stay from December 14-17, the President will engage in a series of high-level meetings and events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. On the second day of his visit, December 15, Ramos-Horta will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in the morning. Later, he will hold discussions with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, followed by a delegation-level meeting. After the meeting, a joint press conference will be held, during which the two countries are expected to sign agreements on visa exemption and a memorandum of understanding for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh In the afternoon, Ramos-Horta will meet honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Football Federation President and BNP leader, Tabith Awal. Participation in Victory Day Celebrations On the third day, December 16, Ramos-Horta will call on the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. He will also visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The President will attend the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971. Address to the Youth and Departure On his final day, December 17, the Timor-Leste President will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World”. DMP commissioner attends courtesy meeting with US Embassy delegation He is expected to interact with Bangladeshi students and young leaders, sharing his experiences of leading his country’s independence movement, the role of the people, and the post-independence aspirations of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta will leave Dhaka later in the day, concluding his visit aimed at fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is holding talks with the political parties as he seeks national unity. Representatives from various political parties including BNP and Jamaat -e-Islami are taking part in the talks at the Foreign Service Academy that began after 4pm on Wednesday. National Unity: Chief Adviser to hold talks with political, religious leaders Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Moyeen Khan, Syed Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and AZM Zahid Hossain are among the BNP leaders. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, Gono Samhangti's Jonayed Saki, Nagorik Oikya's Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gono Odhikar Parishad's Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan are also joining the meeting. The meeting with religious leaders will be held on Thursday, but the time has not been decided yet. BNP urges Chief Adviser to foster national unity to resolve issues CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the Chief adviser will call for national unity at the meetings. 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 Prof Mohammad Yunus on Thursday said he considered himself as a son and adviser of Rangpur as he was moved by the “bravery and sacrifice” of July uprising martyr Abu Sayed. "Consider me as an adviser from Rangpur," said Prof Yunus while welcoming the family members of Abu Sayed at his Tajgaon office. The Chief Adviser handed over the certificate of the Shaheed Abu Sayed Foundation to the family members of martyr Abu Sayed during a brief ceremony. Read: Chief Adviser Yunus meets Shaheed Abu Sayed’s brothers, vows support and justice Prof Yunus enquired about the health condition of Abu Sayed's parents and assured them of all support from the government, said Chief Adviser’s deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Mokbul Hossain, the father of Abu Sayed, received the certificate. Md Liton Mia, a nephew of Abu Sayed, was also present.

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) will host the 3rd edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2024, an international geopolitical conference, which begins in Dhaka on Saturday. "We are honored to have Dr Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, and a well known person as our inaugural speaker," said Executive Director of CGS, Zillur Rahman on Friday. He said Dr Yunus’s perspective will set the tone for three days of meaningful and impactful discussions. The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Executive Director of CGS, Zillur Rahman. Zillur said the third rendition of the Bay of Bengal Conference is the biggest event to date hosted by CGS. “This year’s conference, “A Fractured World,” brings together over 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and an audience of 800 participants hailing from more than 80 countries around the world, he said. Zillur also mentioned that Bangladesh stands at a unique moment in its history. Recent developments have opened up profound opportunities for our nation to redefine itself on democratic principles with a new openness to dialogue and collaboration. The Bay of Bengal Conversation will reflect this spirit by serving as a global platform to explore challenges that resonate across borders, from human rights and climate change to economic development, security, and technological transformation. He said, “This is more than a conference; it’s a call to action. Together, we aim to address the fractures dividing nations and communities, fostering new dialogues and solutions.” He also mentioned that the last two years of experience of this event was bitter. But CGS made it a successful event. "Hopefully this year won’t be different." Munira Khan, Chair of CGS said the Bay of Bengal Conversation has some agendas. "We want to discuss these issues. This is not for any political party but for the people.” She also said this conference is not a governmental event rather a non-governmental one and its result will be enjoyed by all the people around the world.

Bangladeshi businesspeople in Thailand believe that the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, can explore new avenues for trade and cooperation, unlocking the potential for manpower exports to the Southeast Asian nation through intensified diplomatic efforts. Despite being one of the world's largest exporters of textiles and garments, they said Bangladesh currently exports only about $60 million worth of ready-made apparels annually to Thailand, a country with a clothing demand exceeding $40 billion each year. Countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia export significant quantities of garments to Thailand, supported by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). In contrast, Bangladesh has yet to secure a similar deal that would enhance its RMG product exports to Thailand. Talking to UNB, Bangladeshi businesspeople also noted that Thailand attracts over 30 million visitors each year and has a substantial labour market for foreign low-skilled workers in sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fish processing.  However, Bangladesh has so far been unable to access this market in its next-door neighbour due to lack of agreements and genuine efforts. They also said the diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and Thailand has existed for 52 years, with a flight time of nearly two hours between the two countries. Yet, only around 4,000 Bangladeshis currently reside in Thailand, most of whom are engaged in business, as access to the growing labour market remains limited. Bangladesh has consistently experienced a large trade deficit with Thailand, which exported over $1.18 billion worth of products to Bangladesh in 2023. Conversely, Bangladesh's exports to Thailand amounted to only $90 million As Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to visit Thailand for the Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit in November, the businesspeople said he can focus on signing the FTA and some other agreements to create scope for exporting manpower in the wealthy country of the Southeast Asia. “Although Thailand is geographically close to Bangladesh, we have been unable to tap into its thriving business, commerce, and labour market due to a lack of proper diplomatic efforts,” said Kamrul Hasan Rimu, a Bangladeshi engaged in the import and export business in Thailand. Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors Rimu, who has been living in Thailand for nearly 40 years since completing his studies at Dhaka University in 1985, said Bangladeshis mostly come to Thailand for personal visits and medical tourism while a very small portion is doing business in the country. He said five documents—including a Letter of Intent to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as Memoranda of Understanding on Energy Cooperation and Tourism Cooperation--between Bangladesh and Thailand were signed during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit on April 26 this year to enhance cooperation between the two nations. Rimu urged the interim government to prioritise signing the FTAs by intensifying diplomatic efforts, especially given that China and India secured FTAs with ASEAN countries long ago, opening significant opportunities for exporting goods to Thailand with lower tariffs. “When we import apparels from China and India, we face a 5 percent tax and a 7 percent VAT. But tariffs on Bangladeshi products are 32 percent (25 percent tax and 7 percent VAT), making it challenging to promote many Bangladeshi products in Thailand,” he explained. Rimu argued that the exports of Bangladeshi products, particularly apparels, could soar if the taxes are reduced from 25 percent to 5 percent through the FTAs. “There is a considerable demand for T-shirts in Thailand, mostly now imported from China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Currently, we cannot import T-shirts directly from Bangladesh due to excessive taxes. So, some traders are importing Bangladeshi-made T-shirts via India, using its label,” he said. He said the prices of T-shirts in Bangladesh are lower than in any other country. “Therefore, Bangladesh has significant potential to capture the T-shirt market in Thailand if the taxes are reduced to 5%.” Rimu stressed that Bangladesh has an opportunity to tap into Thailand's labour market if an agreement can be reached. “There is scope for Bangladeshis to work in hotels, restaurants, bars, agriculture and fish processing, areas currently dominated by Burmese workers. The minimum wage for these low-skilled jobs exceeds Tk 50,000, which is significantly higher than in Malaysia and many other countries.” Abdul Quayum, another Bangladeshi businessman residing in Thailand for over three decades, echoed Rimu, noting that the Thai fish processing industry has a demand for foreign low-skilled workers. “With over 30 million visitors annually, foreign workers are involved in various services related to the tourism sector. Thus, Bangladesh should strive to enter the Thai labour market,” he said. He highlighted Thailand’s goal to increase foreign visitors to 40 million by 2025, which will likely create more job opportunities for foreign workers. “Bangladesh can capitalise on this by signing agreements with Thailand. Quayum stressed that the visa process for Bangladeshis must be simplified through mutual understanding and agreements, suggesting that the visa-on-arrival facility available in the 1980s could be reinstated. Mahbub Talukder, known as Don in Pattaya City, shared his experiences as a successful businessman running gift and tailor-made shops. He pointed out the vast opportunities for Bangladeshis in hotels, restaurants, gift shops and garment stores. “There are also numerous job opportunities in the tourism sector, but the government needs to secure agreements with Thailand to facilitate this,” he said. Mahbub underscored the importance of branding Bangladesh in Thailand. “Many Thais lack proper knowledge about Bangladesh and its products, often mistaking Bangladeshis for Indians. Effective branding is crucial to enhance bilateral cooperation, trade, and business.” He suggested that the government could leverage Thailand's experience to develop Bangladesh into another holiday destination for foreigners by improving tourist spots and ensuring necessary facilities. Read more: RMG workers’ protests disrupt traffic in Dhaka’s Mirpur

Law Minister Anisul Huq  on Friday announced the dismissal of Deputy Attorney General Imran Ahmed Bhuiyan from his post, but did not cite any reason. The minister confirmed this while replying to a question from journalists at Akhaura Railway Station in Brahmanbaria on Friday. Read : DAG Imran broke discipline by making statements before media: Law Minister DAG Imran was dismissed under section 4(1) of ‘The Bangladesh Law Officers Order, 1972,’ according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The order issued in the public interest will come into effect immediately, the notification read. The section 4(1) stipulates, ‘A law officer shall hold office during the pleasure of the President and his services may be terminated at any time by the president without any reason being assigned for his termination.’ Read : Muhammad Yunus: DAG refuses to sign anti-Yunus statement allegedly prepared by AG office On September 4, Deputy Attorney General Imran Ahmed Bhuiyan told reporters that he declined to sign a statement allegedly prepared by the Attorney General’s office in protest against the statement of world leaders in support of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Later on Tuesday, the law minister  said DAG Imran breached discipline by making a statement about the issue without prior permission from the Attorney General. Read : Son jailed for life for killing mother in Sylhet “He (DAG Imran) is employed by the Attorney General's Office. If he wants to speak to reporters, he should either resign and speak or obtain permission from the attorney general's permission. He didn't do any of them,” said the minister.

The High Court on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) asked Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus to pay over Tk 12 crore as donation tax to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The HC bench of Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar and Justice Sardar Md Rashed Jahangir passed the order after rejecting the petition of Dr Yunus challenging the notice of NBR. Barrister Mostafizur Rahman stood for Dr Yunus while Attorney General AM Amin Uddin represented the state. Read more: ACC sues Dr Yunus, 12 others in case over misappropriation of about Tk 25 cr On May 23, Dr Yunus filed a petition challenging the notice issued by NBR claiming tax Tk 15 crore on donation. The HC fixed May 31 for hearing the petition. According to the petition, NBR served three separate notices claiming Tk 12,28,74,000 as tax against Tk 61.57 crore as donation during 2011-2012 fiscal year, Tk 1.60 crore tax against Tk 8.15 crore as donation in 2012-2013 FY and Tk 1.50 crore as tax against Tk 7 crore as donation in 2013-2014 FY as per the Donation Tax-1990. Read more: Yunus, Clooney address German Postcode Lottery Charity Gala in Germany

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday filed a case against Nobel Laureate and Grameen Telecom chairman Dr Muhammad Yunus and 12 others for their alleged involvement in misappropriation of about Tk 25 crore from the company’s Workers Profit Participation ( WPPF). The commission’s deputy director Gulshan Anowar Pradhan filed the case with Dhaka district coordinated office -1, ACC director general Rezanur Rahman said.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (March 13, 2023) questioned as to why an advertisement needs to be published in a foreign newspaper with names of 40 people pleading in favour of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Muhammad Yunus. “I don’t know what to answer. But I have a question. Why should an advertisement be given begging names of 40 people for a person who is so famous and a Nobel Prize recipient? That again is in a foreign newspaper,” she said. The prime minister made the remarks while answering a question from UNB Editor Farid Hossain at a press conference on the outcome of her recent official visit to Qatar. She also said 40 people did not issue any statement for Dr Yunus, but it was an advertisement. “The names of 40 people were used there (in advertisement) in favour of our particular person.” Read more: Pressures on Sheikh Hasina won’t work: PM The prime minister said there are laws in the country and everything goes according to those laws, no matter who the person is. “Our judiciary is completely independent. We protect workers' rights. There is a separate body to oversee who pays taxes properly and collects taxes. We have a labour court to deal with if someone breaks any law regarding the matters or snatches the rights of the workers,” she said. As the head of the government, Sheikh Hasina said she has nothing to do regarding these matters. “What more can I say? But I just want to remind everyone that we have built the Padma Bridge,” she said.  Read More: Sufficient commodities in stock, refrain from panic buying during Ramadan: Govt

The High Court (HC) on Wednesday rejected a petition to scrap the case filed against Nobel Laureate and Chairman of Grameen Communications Dr Muhammad Yunus over violation of the Labour Law. The HC bench of Justice S M Kuddus Zaman and Justice Fahmida Quader passed the order after hearing. Now there is no legal bar to continue the case against him in the labour court, said Khurshid Alam Khan, counsel of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Barrister Abdullah Al Mamun appeared for Prof Yunus’s appeal at the court. On June 13, the Appellate Division stayed the trial proceedings of the case for two months. The SC also ordered the HC bench led by Justice SM Kuddus Zaman to dispose of the rule seeking explanation as to why the case against Prof Yunus should not be cancelled. Read: Case against Prof Yunus: Final hearing on scrapping case on Aug 11 On June 7, the Appellate Division ordered disposal of the rule within two months. On September 9 last year, Labour Inspector Arifuzzaman of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, filed the case with Dhaka third labour court. Other accused in the case are- Ashraful Hasan, Managing Director of Grameen Telecom, its directors Nurzahan Begum and Shahjahan. According to the case, in an inspection visit to Grameen Telecom inspectors of the department found that 101 workers and staff who were supposed to be permanent were not made so. No participation fund and welfare fund was formed for them and five per cent of the company’s profit was not provided to the workers following the law. Upon a complaint, a criminal case was filed under section 4, 7, 8, 117, 234 of the Labour Act. On October 12, the labour court granted bail to the all four accused. Later on December 7, Prof Yunus filed a petition with the High Court seeking scrapping of the case. On December 12, HC stayed the procedure of a case for six months. The court also issued a rule asking the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments why the case will not be set aside. The court asked secretaries of the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Labour and Employment and others involved to respond to the rule.