United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammed Sahabuddin on Wednesday urged the Ambassador of and the high commissioners of Zambia, Kenya and Cyprus to work to increase import from Bangladesh The newly appointed non-resident ambassador of Laos to Bangladesh and the non-resident high commissioners of Zambia, Kenya and Cyprus presented their credentials to President Shahabuddin. A smart contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment provided a guard of honor to the ambassadors and high commissioners upon their arrival at Bangabhaban in the morning. First, Laos Ambassador Bounmy VANMANY presented his credentials. After that, Kenyan High Commissioner Munyiri Peter Maina, Zambian High Commissioner Percy P. Chanda and Cyprus High Commissioner Evagoras Vryonides presented their credentials to the President. Welcoming the new ambassadors and high commissioners, President Shahabuddin said that Bangladesh prioritises developing bilateral and mutual relations with all countries of the world. Referring to the trade and investment-friendly environment prevailing in Bangladesh, the President called on investors from Kenya, Cyprus, Zambia and Laos to invest in various sectors.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has called on journalists to contribute to building a non-discriminatory and democratic Bangladesh by embodying the spirit of the Liberation War and the hopes of the July-August mass uprising. The President made this appeal during a meeting with the newly elected executive committee members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at Bangabhaban on Sunday. The delegation was led by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel. During the meeting, the DRU members discussed their activities and sought government support for various programmes aimed at the welfare of journalists. Recalling the vital contributions of journalists in the Liberation War, democratic movements, and the July-August mass uprising, President Shahabuddin emphasised the media's role as the fourth estate and the mirror of society.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged Japan to enhance its investment in Bangladesh, particularly in emerging sectors such as automobiles, ICT, medical equipment, light engineering, consumer electronics and tourism. The President made the request during a meeting with newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shinichi SAIDA at Bangabhaban. Ambassador SAIDA presented his credentials to the President at Bangabhaban, where a smart contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment accorded him a guard of honour. After the meeting, President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam briefed reporters, highlighting the key points of their discussion. President Shahabuddin said that Japan is Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner, with the relationship between the two nations recently elevated to a strategic partnership. He emphasised Japan’s commitment under the BIG-B Initiative (Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt), which has been pivotal for Bangladesh’s development. To date, the country has received over USD 23 billion in Japanese grants and loans. President urges Kuwait to recruit more manpower from Bangladesh The President expressed satisfaction with the growing volume of bilateral trade, currently standing at around USD 4 billion annually, and acknowledged Japan as one of Bangladesh’s top five export destinations. He highlighted the presence of over 350 Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh and encouraged further investment in diverse sectors. The President also urged the ambassador to consider increasing the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, particularly caregivers and nurses, while seeking Japanese support for technical and language skill development for prospective Bangladeshi employees. Acknowledging Japan’s continued humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya population in Bangladesh, President Shahabuddin requested the Japanese government to persist in its efforts to ensure the safe, sustainable, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The President also extended an invitation to the Emperor, Empress, and members of the Japanese Imperial Family to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. In response, Ambassador SAIDA expressed Japan’s keen interest in diversifying its investments in Bangladesh and assured the President of his full cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure. President’s Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, and Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin were present during the meeting.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin called on Russia to increase the intake of skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh and simplify visa procedure. The President made this request during a meeting with newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin who presented his credentials at Bangabhaban. Welcoming the new ambassador, President Shahabuddin highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Russia in various sectors, including trade and investment. He also mentioned Russia’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s development and urged the timely completion of the 'Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant' project. During the meeting, the President sought greater opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Russia. He also expressed the hope that Russia would continue pressing Myanmar for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. In discussing bilateral trade, President Shahabuddin acknowledged Bangladesh’s imports of agricultural products such as wheat and fertilizer from Russia and stressed the importance of collaboration to address food security challenges. Ambassador Khozin sought the President's full cooperation during his tenure in Bangladesh. President's Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, Russian embassy minister-counsellor Ekaterina Semenova, and Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged all to further strengthen the bond of communal harmony to make Bangladesh discrimination and corruption-free and build it a justice-based country. He made this call at a greeting exchange programme with prominent Christian community people at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Christmas. Palestinian Ambassador meets President Shahabuddin, thanks Bangladesh for support President Shahabuddin said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and called upon all to work together for the welfare of the country and its people. On the occasion of Christmas, the President and his wife Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted the greeting exchange programme in honor of Christian believers. Religious Affairs adviser  A. F. M. Khalid Hossain, Archbishop Bijoy N. D. Cruz, Ambassador to the Vatican Kevin S. Randall and secretaries to the President were present at the programme. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day Earlier, the President cut a cake to mark the occasion. Later, the President exchanged greetings with the invited guests.

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef Ramadan paid a courtesy visit to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Monday, expressing gratitude for Bangladesh's solidarity with the Palestinian people. During a briefing, President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin shared that Ambassador Ramadan thanked the Bangladeshi government and its people for their unwavering support for Palestine, particularly during times of crisis. Outgoing Japanese Ambassador highlights strengthened ties in farewell meeting with President President Shahabuddin reiterated Bangladesh's strong condemnation of the ongoing violence in Palestine, specifically highlighting the indiscriminate killing of women and children by Israeli forces. He also emphasized Bangladesh’s consistent efforts to champion the Palestinian cause at international platforms, including the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Visiting East Timorese president calls on counterpart at Bangabhaban Senior officials, including Senior Secretary to the President's Office Nasimul Ghani and Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, were present during the meeting.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban today, marking Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors, and high commissioners from various countries. A special highlight of the reception was the presence of East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta, who cut a ceremonial cake in the VVIP Enclosure. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day The reception brought together Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three armed services, senior political leaders, academics, business leaders, and renowned cultural figures. Valiant freedom fighters, families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients, and Indian war veterans also graced the event, underscoring the significance of the day. Top civil and military officials, newspaper editors, and journalist leaders added to the vibrant gathering, which served as a reflection of national unity and pride. President Shahabuddin took the opportunity to exchange greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, student representatives, dignitaries, and other guests during the festivities. Earlier in the day, President Shahabuddin paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Arriving at the site around 6:30 am, he laid a wreath at the memorial and observed a moment of silence in honor of the sacrifices made during the 1971 war. A ceremonial guard of honor was presented by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force. The president also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial, leaving a message of respect and remembrance.  

President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Monday paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Memorial on the occasion of Victory Day in Savar. The president laid a wreath at the memorial to honour the martyrs at around 6:30 am. Judicial Service Commission presents 2023 Annual Report to President Shahabuddin After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of of Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour. Chief Justice presents Supreme Court Annual Report 2023 to President The president also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial site.

A delegation led by Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission and a member of the Appellate Division, submitted the Commission's Annual Report for 2023 to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban this evening. The meeting was attended by members of the Judicial Service Commission, with President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin confirming the details to UNB. During the presentation, Justice Chowdhury provided a detailed overview of the annual report, highlighting the Commission’s achievements and activities over the past year. He discussed key developments aimed at strengthening the judicial system of Bangladesh. Expressing satisfaction with the activities of the Judicial Service Commission, President Shahabuddin expressed hope that under the leadership of the Commission, judicial service will move forward in terms of efficiency and experience and will be able to bring timely qualitative changes in the country's judicial system.  The President advised the Commission to complete the judge appointment process as soon as possible. Secretaries of the President's Office were present during the meeting.

Newly appointed non-resident ambassador of Bulgaria Dr Nikolai Yankov on Sunday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. Welcoming the new ambassador, the president said the relations between Bulgaria and Bangladesh have been growing gradually since Bangladesh’s independence, Press Secretary of the president Joynal Abedin told reporters after the meeting. The president put emphasis on the exchange of high-level visits to develop bilateral ties and open up new areas of cooperation between the two countries.  Govt warns of action against illegal foreigners in Bangladesh Referring to the existing liberal industrial policies and export-oriented and private sector-led development strategies in Bangladesh, the president sought Bulgarian investment in Bangladesh.  During the meeting, Ambassador Yankov said Bulgaria attaches great importance to the development of relations with Bangladesh.  He sought all necessary cooperation of the president in carrying out his assignment in Bangladesh.  Secretaries concerned to the president were present during the meeting.