United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh has successfully overcome significant challenges over the past five decades and achieved remarkable socio-economic progress through constructive engagement in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Speaking at a reception in New York as the chief guest, he highlighted that, since becoming a member of the UN in 1974, Bangladesh has embraced multilateralism as a cornerstone of its foreign policy.  Reaffirming Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to international peace and security, the Foreign Minister underscored the country’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingya people.  Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted the reception to celebrate the 56th Independence and National day of Bangladesh at a local hotel in New York.  The programme was attended by around 150 Permanent Representatives, high officials of the UN, distinguished members of the diplomatic community and other international organizations, according to Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York.  Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said 26 March symbolises not only the birth of the nation but also the enduring triumph of the people’s will, dignity and freedom.  The Permanent Mission also organised a discussion session at its auditorium where the messages from the dignitaries were read out and a special documentary on the significance of the day was also screened.   

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has said the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (Big-B) Initiative of Japan will accelerate cooperation for development of quality infrastructure and create more investment opportunities in Bangladesh.  These, he said, will also strengthen regional connectivity.  Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki met the state minister on Tuesday and comprehensively discussed the bilateral relations and issues of common interests.  Read: COVAX Facility: Japan to provide 30mn vaccine doses to other countries They also reviewed the progress of the Japan-funded major development projects.  Recognising Bangladesh’s leadership role in the climate change discourse, the Ambassador said the Japanese investors are willing to invest in clean energy. Bangladesh and Japan agreed to work together to tackle the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Both sides recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s groundbreaking visit to Japan in 1973 which laid the rock-solid foundation of the bilateral relations.  The state minister conveyed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s participation at the event celebrating Bangabandhu’s birth centenary and the Golden Jubilee of the Independence of Bangladesh.  Read:COVID-19 Response: Japan provides ASEF equipment to Bangladesh The two sides agreed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022 in a befitting manner, including through exchange of high-level visits. State Minister Shahriar Alam stated that the Covid-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenging time for all and thanked the government of Japan for the Covid-related assistance.   He briefed the Japanese envoy on the initiatives taken by the government to combat the pandemic and sought support from Japan to continue its fight against the virus. Japanese Ambassador highly appreciated the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh, even during the pandemic, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and assured of continued support to Bangladesh to deal with the Covid situation. Read: One step closer to completing historic Metro Rail project in Bangladesh: Japan Alam underscored that if 1.1 million Rohingyas were denied the opportunity to return to their ancestral homes in the Rakhaine state of Myanmar and it could have ramifications for regional and international security and stability.  He also urged Japan to use her influence to persuade Myanmar and the international community to create a conducive environment within Myanmar for safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas.  The Ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment of continued support for Rohingya repatriation.  

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday praised the remarkable socio-economic progress achieved by Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dynamic leadership.