United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said some quarters have been misinterpreting an instant walkout by some delegates from the speech of the Israeli delegate at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, 18 February 2025, Marrakesh, Morocco. "This is to inform that the Bangladesh delegation was also among the countries that walked out," said the Ministry in a statement on Friday. Foreign Ministry holds event on International Mother Language Day Bangladesh's position on Palestinian cause and Israeli genocide and other repressions of the Palestinians is well known, said the MoFA in its statement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested all concerned to refrain from spreading misinformation about this particular situation.

A total of 46 stranded Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from war-torn Lebanon on Tuesday on a Qatar flight (QR 640) with full government expenditure. The flight landed at 9:15 am at Hazrat Shajalal International Airport (HSIA), facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). So far, a total of 1292 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Lebanon by 20 flights. Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. IOM provided each repatriated person with TK 5,000 as pocket money, food supplies and basic medical care. Deeper ties with Russia sought in meeting with new ambassador Ministry officials engaged with the returnees, discussing the horrors of the ongoing conflict and inquiring about their well-being. One Bangladeshi national has so far reportedly died in a bombing incident during the conflict. The government has reiterated its commitment to cover repatriation costs for all Bangladeshis wishing to return home from Lebanon due to the ongoing violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those desiring repatriation and to guarantee the safety of those choosing to stay.

European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Nicola Beer on Tuesday said they find the current situation in Bangladesh "stable" for their investment in priority sectors. "The current situation I see... It's stable for investment. So, we go on with what we already decided together. So, this was the reason why I was speaking about further signatures during this year's time," she told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after her first meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his office. But of course, Beer said, it is up to the Bangladeshi citizens and bodies to decide on the moment of elections and of the power then in Parliament afterwards. The EIB Vice President said she can only express from the side of the European investment Bank group that they are "backing" this interim government and they are looking together with the different ministries and sectors, which investments they now can also speed up. They also talked about the priorities of investments in Bangladesh to deliver. "I'm quite optimistic that we will see through the signatures during this year to come on important projects, especially in the sector of water and sanitation," she added. "I think we are quite near when it comes up for the programme of the interim government to reform and lead it to elections, quite soon," Beer said. EIB VP Beer begins Bangladesh tour to strengthen ties with interim govt She said she is really happy now to be here in Dhaka to hear firsthand from the different ministries, but also from economy leaders and citizens groups about the challenges and about their own plans for the future of the country. "I hope we can deliver together, especially with the support of the European Union. So I'm very happy that the ambassador is with us who is very well connected here in the country and gives us valuable insights," Beer said. "I only can assure you that the European Union as a whole is standing behind this interim government together with the Bangladeshi people, to serve the Bangladeshi citizens for the future to come," she added. Responding to a question from the UNB correspondent, Beer said energy is a very important part of it. "We have a framework loan, we want to bring it really down now also in the project and this is something we will look further and try to speed up." In today's meeting they discussed international relations, how they can place this country also in the region as a strong nation on an equal footing. "We reaffirm the support of the European Union and also of its bank as European Investment Bank. And now we'll see the different projects and maybe also new proposals with the other ministries and sectors. So maybe you ask me in two days’ time," Beer said. She began her three-day visit on Tuesday to review existing partnerships, discuss various issues and explore expanded investment cooperation with the interim government. Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, among others, accompanied her during the meeting with Adviser Hossain. "A number of meetings have been lined up, including a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus," a senior official told UNB on Monday. European countries: CA's press wing shares progress on visa issues Vice-President Beer, during her stay in Dhaka, will also hold meetings with Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Water resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur to discuss wide range of issues, officials at the relevant ministers said while speaking to the UNB correspondent. She will also have a breakfast meeting with the representatives of the KfW, AfD, ADB, IMF, WB, IFC and JICA. The Vice President will have an interaction over dinner with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham). She is likely to visit Ghandharbpur Water Treatment Plant on Thursday before wrapping up her visit. The EIB, owned by the 27 EU member states, is the world's largest multilateral financial institution and serves as the European Union's investment bank. Vice-President Beer oversees policy priorities, critical raw materials, EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and financing operations in South, Southeast and East Asia. While climate action is a big part of EIB activities, it also focuses on the environment, development, innovation and skills, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), infrastructure and cohesion. Govt trying to make things easy for investors: Foreign Adviser Prof Yunus recently urged the European Union (EU) to extend support to Bangladesh to transform its energy sector. “We look forward to your cooperation on that…we also talked to other countries to provide us support for transformation of our energy sector,” he said during an interactive session with the diplomats of European countries, stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi last month. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said the environment is, of course, a top priority for them. Bangladesh is a victim of environmental degradation that is taking place, Prof Yunus said, adding, “In one area, I get very interested – renewable energy”. The EIB finances and invests both through equity and debt solutions companies and projects that achieve the policy aims of the European Union through loans, equity and guarantees. Since its establishment in 1958, the EIB has invested over a trillion euros in projects in Europe and countries worldwide.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a diplomatic letter to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in an effort to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back. "We have informed India," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters on Monday, referring to the note verbale addressed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal has confirmed that they have received the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina from the interim government of Bangladesh. "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request," he said, adding that at this time, they have no comment to offer on this matter. On December 8, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said they would formally approach India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition after completing the required legal procedures. "Our government's position on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is very clear. We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face the law," he said during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. The interim government claims that Hasina was the key person who passed the order in the "massacre" that took place during her tenure, killing more than 1,500 people in July-August. Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India. In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't she be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event." On November 12, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Advocate Md Tajul Islam wrote to Inspector General of Police Md Moinul Islam, urging the issuance of a red notice through Interpol to secure the return of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Earlier, on October 17, a three-member ICT bench led by its Chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar, issued arrest warrants for 46 people, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader, in separate cases. Among SAARC member countries, India has extradition treaties with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, as well as an extradition arrangement with Sri Lanka. In July 2016, Bangladesh and India amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral Extradition Treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between the two nations. Sheikh Hasina is facing multiple charges, including murder, following the formation of an interim government on August 8, after her resignation on August 5.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Tuesday said they want to build a constant, stable and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. Talking to reporters briefly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they are interested in working with Bangladesh to fulfill their shared aspirations in the field of peace, security and development. The envoy described the relationship between the two countries as "multifaceted and wide-ranging," which cannot be reduced to one issue. Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma summoned to MoFA He also said there are many interdependencies and want to build on that for mutual benefits. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner. Pranay Verma entered the ministry around 4pm on Tuesday. Asked, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said he (Indian envoy) had been asked to come. The Indian high commissioner was then engaged in a meeting with acting Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah. Additional security measures were taken around the ministry with the deployment of army and police personnel.  

The interim government has assured the international community that the government is committed to upholding the secular and inclusive identity of the people of Bangladesh. "The government of Bangladesh considers it a responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially members of religious minorities, in Bangladesh," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release on Monday. Reiterating the secular and inclusive values ​​of Bangladesh, the Hindu community of Bangladesh celebrated its biggest festival, Durga Puja, in a joyful atmosphere, the ministry said. On the occasion of Durga Puja, more than 32,000 puja mandapas were set up across Bangladesh, where Hindu women, men and children paid respect to the goddess. This 10-day long festival ended on Sunday evening in a cordial atmosphere across Bangladesh. Bangladesh a bright example of communal harmony: Foreign Affairs Adviser The government congratulated all the Hindus for celebrating Durga Puja in a festive atmosphere with full faith in all the steps taken by the government ignoring any kind of provocation and propaganda, said the ministry. In the wake of a few incidents across the country in the last week, the government immediately took strict measures. So far, 11 cases have been filed and 17 people arrested in connection with these incidents. Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence is the eternal identity of Bangladesh which unites all, said the government. The government of Bangladesh firmly believes that every person, regardless of his or her religion or belief, has the right to practice his or her religious activities without any hindrance, according to the ministry.

Md Khurshed Alam, Maritime Affairs Unit (MAU) Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has resigned from his post. Director General (Public Diplomacy wing) Toufique Hasan on Sunday confirmed UNB regarding Alam’s resignation but did not elaborate. He performed the duties regarding the ‘Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal’ in the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in, Germany and the ‘Bay of Bengal Maritime Boundary Arbitration between Bangladesh and India’ under Annex VII to UNCLOS in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague respectively. Khorshed Alam Khastagir next Bangladesh Ambassador to Poland He was also the head of the Bangladesh Continental Shelf technical team entrusted with the preparation, documentation, carrying out seismic survey of the Bay of Bengal and submission of Bangladesh’s claim on extended continental shelf to the 21 member UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. He was awarded with the first Bangabandhu Medal for Diplomatic Excellence in 2020 for his contribution to the settlement of Bangladesh’s Maritime Boundary, Development of Blue Economy and International Maritime Diplomacy.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has stressed on some key issues with India like stopping “border killing, conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, and ensuring supply of essential commodities.” High Commissioner of India in Dhaka Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim Government of Bangladesh at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and discussed the issue. The Adviser said Bangladesh wants to work closely with India for promoting bilateral relations and stressed on more ‘people centric engagement’ in the upcoming days. The interim government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, said the Adviser. Bangladeshi killed by BSF gunfire near Chapainawabganj border He thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the Chief Adviser on his assumption of his new responsibilities. The Foreign Affairs Adviser also mentioned a highly exaggerated media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh. About former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he mentioned that such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations. The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Chief Adviser and expressed the keen willingness of the Government of India to work with the interim government in the coming days to fulfill the shared aspirations of peoples from both countries. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs affirmed the Interim government’s commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh including the minorities. He mentioned that the government is pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them. He added that all religious groups and other political parties are also working to ensure safety and security of the minorities. 35-year-old man injured in BSF firing at Feni border During the meeting, the Adviser for Foreign Affairs briefed the High Commissioner about the current situation in Bangladesh. He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students. The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest for ending discriminations and inequities. The fearless student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system soon morphed into a nation-wide revolutionary struggle to establish a rules-based, just, fair and inclusive society. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus agreed to take the helm of the interim government at the request of the students and people. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs mentioned that the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order situation and bring the economy on track. India’s BSF returns body of Bangladeshi man killed in its firing The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to fulfill the aspiration of the people, especially the youth.

The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is being delayed as the plan for its initiation in September this year has been postponed. The EU has shown the current situation as a reason behind the postponement. It was scheduled to be held in Dhaka. “The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) foreseen in September has been postponed due to the prevailing situation,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB, quoting a message he received from Brussels. The envoy also said a new date for starting the negotiations has not been fixed yet.    Read more: It was like a terrorist attack to topple the govt: PM Hasina tells Indian envoy on quota violence. Bangladesh is willing to do it in November as the 79th session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 10, 2024, said a diplomatic source. A Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) agreement is a legally binding agreement between the EU and third countries. By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country. A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised. Recently, Ambassador Whiteley said they are eyeing a “step change” in their relations with Bangladesh in the next five years, deepening the ties in core areas. “I think in the next five years we would be really seeing a step change in our relationship,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in January this year. The EU ambassador said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU will be driven by the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). Read more: China encouraged by resumption of social order in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has expressed extreme disappointment over US State Department’s unsubstantiated claim of deaths of at least two persons, and said such “baseless claim” can fuel the violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts. “Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Seheli Sabrin said today. Student violence: Is US State Department being misled by rumours over claim of two deaths? She said the foreign ministry is “extremely disappointed” by the response of Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the US State Department, to a question during a regular press briefing on July 15, 2024 (Washington time), where he made unsubstantiated claims of at least two deaths in the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh. The foreign ministry spokesperson said freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding public property and order. She said violence does not have any place in democracy and politics. “We have recently witnessed with horror an attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump during a peaceful rally in Pennsylvania, USA,” Sabrin said. She said they are “deeply concerned” by the incident and such violence runs against the core values of democracy. “The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh have separately condemned the attack and sighed relief learning that Trump was safe and recovering,” she said. To uphold democracy and democratic values, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they are committed to working together with the US. Quota reform protests: Students block several points of Dhaka-Barishal Highway When specific information on the State Department’s claim was sought from the US Embassy in Dhaka, its acting spokesperson Leonard Hill told UNB this morning that the statement was “monitoring reports” that included the injuries and deaths. “We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth,” he said.