United News of Bangladesh

Presenting five-pronged priority agendas for urgent action, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Monday said the challenges faced by LDCs are a test of international solidarity and the credibility of multilateralism. "The LDC Group stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that the mid-term review becomes a turning point, one that restores momentum, rebuilds trust, and delivers on the promise of sustainable development leaving no one behind," he said. Prof Titumir was speaking at the general debate of the high-level segment of the ECOSOC on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the General Assembly Hall in New York. The Group reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action, which together constitute the guiding framework for advancing sustainable, resilient development and smooth graduation in LDCs. "As we enter the final stretch to 2030, progress towards the SDGs remains alarmingly off track. For the LDCs, the situation is even more critical," said Prof Titumir, noting that vulnerabilities, agravated climate change, rising debt burdens, constrained fiscal space, declining ODA, widening digital divides and limited access to affordable finance continue to impede their development efforts. He said these challenges not only undermine implementation of the 2030 Agenda but also put at risk the achievement of the DPoA, including its goal of enabling additional LDCs to achieve sustainable and irreversible graduation by 2031. Currently, 14 LDCs are at different stages of the graduation process and continue to require sustained international support. Due to unprecedented political, macroeconomic, environmental and external shocks, Bangladesh and Nepal have requested a three-year extension of their preparatory period until November 2029. For graduating LDCs navigating complex domestic and global challenges, the additional time is a strategic necessity to advance macroeconomic stability, implement Smooth Transition Strategy (STS), and strengthen critical reforms, Prof Titumir said. In this context, he said, the effective implementation of the DPoA is essential to addressing the structural constraints facing LDCs and strengthening resilience, productive capacity and long-term sustainable development. "The DPoA Mid-Term Review, to be held next year in Doha, provides a critical opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and accelerate implementation of agreed commitments," said the Adviser. He said the Group urges participation at the level of Heads of State and Government, Ministers, and Leaders of international financial institutions and development partners to ensure that the Mid-term Review produces transformational and implementable outcomes. Five-pronged Priority Agendas for Urgent Action First, Prof Titumir said, adequate, predictable and affordable concessional financing must be significantly scaled up to address mounting debt vulnerabilities, alongside greater investment in education, health, productive capacities, resilient infrastructure, creating jobs, eradicating poverty, increasing social security and essential services. Second, he said, the international financial architecture must be reformed to better reflect the structural vulnerabilities of LDCs through expanded access to concessional resources, debt suspensions, sustainable debt solutions and more equitable financing arrangements. Third, Prof Titumir said, climate finance must be accessible, predictable and commensurate with vulnerability. "Support for adaptation, resilience-building, energy transition, and the Loss and Damage Fund should remain additional, adequate and readily accessible. Enhanced international cooperation is also essential to strengthen energy security through investment in clean energy and resilient infrastructure," he said. Fourth, the Adviser said, the international community should preserve and expand market access for LDCs by reversing protectionist trends and ensuring transparent, simplified and development-friendly rules of origin. Fifth, he said, stronger international cooperation is needed to bridge digital and technological divides through enhanced technology transfer, capacity-building and digital transformation, enabling LDCs to harness innovation and accelerate sustainable development.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal on Monday hosted a Nepali mango business delegation led by Ammar Baniya, president of Nepal's Mango Importers Association, to explore opportunities for importing Bangladeshi mangoes. The delegation, which also included two leading members of the association, was introduced to several premium off-season mango varieties from Bangladesh, including Bari-4, Banana mango, Amrapali and Khirshapat. During the meeting, the Nepali business representatives expressed keen interest in exploring the possibility of importing Bangladeshi mangoes during the late season, particularly in July and August. They also showed interest in visiting Bangladesh to further advance the initiative. The delegation praised the taste and quality of Bangladeshi mangoes and thanked the embassy for taking the initiative to promote mango trade in Nepal.

A Bangladeshi delegation, led by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, is scheduled to leave for Doha on Tuesday to express Bangladesh’s solidarity and convey condolences to the Emir of Qatar, the Royal Family and the brotherly people of Qatar at the death of country's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. As a mark of respect for the late former Qatari Emir, the Bangladesh government will also observe a half-day state mourning on Thursday, officials said. Former Qatar emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74 Meanwhile, Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday signed the condolence book opened at the Embassy of Qatar in Gulshan following the death of the former Qatari Emir, on behalf of the Bangladesh government. As the government's senior-most minister, Mirza Fakhrul signed the condolence message, paying tribute to the late former Emir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was present on the occasion. In the condolence message, the minister expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of the former Qatari Emir. He also conveyed deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the government, the Royal Family and the brotherly people of Qatar on behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh highly values its long-standing, close, cordial and brotherly relations with Qatar, Mirza Fakhrul said. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed profound sorrow at the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of the State of Qatar and your beloved father," he wrote in a condolence message to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Prime Minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the government and the brotherly people of Qatar.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Monday said the United States has invested more than $1 million through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to support heritage conservation projects in Bangladesh over the past 25 years. The US Ambassador made the remarks during a meeting with Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at the latter’s office at the Secretariat. The two sides discussed strengthening Bangladesh-US people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, arts, literature and shared cultural values, said a PID handout. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening the long-standing friendly people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, arts, literature, and the vibrant shared values between Bangladesh and the United States. The US Ambassador highlighted the latest grant of $2 lakh 35000 under the AFCP. With this latest funding, the total US investment in cultural preservation in Bangladesh has surpassed $1 million, supporting 13 major projects over the last 25 years. Among the prominent AFCP-funded projects, the ongoing restoration of the Mughal-era Musa Khan Mosque at Dhaka University was highly lauded. This project aims to restore the mosque's authentic Islamic architectural features, create a digital archive, and provide practical conservation training to young architects. Other notable projects include the restoration of the 17th-century Shankhari Bazar in Old Dhaka, preservation of structural segments at Lalbagh Fort, and modernising the Varendra Research Museum. The fund has also supported the documentation of Bangladesh’s intangible cultural heritage, such as Baul songs, Jamdani weaving, and ancient metal casting techniques. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs highlighted the prospect of the holistic development of the historic Panam City in Sonargaon. Extensive discussions were also held on the feasibility of organising a joint 'US-Bangladesh Cultural Festival', collaborative show of events, and structured Cultural Artist Exchange programs. Regarding the draft of the Bilateral Cultural Cooperation Agreement forwarded by Bangladesh, the US Ambassador noted that it is currently undergoing necessary administrative and legal procedures, and the US side is keen to expedite it once official clearance is obtained. Sharing the US 'Library of Congress' extensively archives world literature, the Ambassador said that they are highly interested in collecting and preserving the literary masterpieces of Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Senior officials of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Mission were also present during the meeting.  

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Monday sought Saudi Arabia's cooperation in reducing the overall cost of Hajj for Bangladeshi pilgrims by lowering taxes and charges on Hajj air travel. She came up with the request during a courtesy call by Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya, on Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Hajj 2027 pre-registration: What documents do pilgrims need? She said such a move would significantly ease the financial burden on thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims every year. In response, the Saudi envoy assured that the matter would receive positive consideration and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to extending all possible cooperation.

The government on Monday reiterated that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would be taken into custody if she surrenders, as efforts continue to secure her extradition to Bangladesh. "If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appear intended to encourage Awami League leaders and activists who have either gone into hiding or fled the country. "I see no other reason," she said. She said Hasina has already been convicted and that the decision on where and when she surrenders rests entirely with her. Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. Wherever she surrenders - whether in India or Bangladesh - she will have to go to jail first, Shama Obaed said, adding that the government has no reason to respond to statements made by a convicted person. She said Bangladesh is making sustained diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face trial, although acknowledging that the extradition process takes time. Three ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been pursuing the matter since the new government assumed office in February, building on efforts initiated under the interim government. The government believes the people of Bangladesh want Hasina to be extradited. Meanwhile, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam recently urged Hasina to refrain from any political activities that could further destabilise the country, saying Bangladesh wants her immediate return. "Whether you come in December or January is your decision. But we want you tomorrow. Therefore, do not stage any stunts or create further instability in the country," he said on Saturday while responding to reports that Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh in December. India, meanwhile, reiterated in April that it is examining Bangladesh's extradition request through its judicial and domestic legal processes. "There is a request... the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi, adding that India would continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders on the matter. On April 8, Bangladesh renewed its request for the extradition of Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It has been discussed and will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told reporters in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Qatar's former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. In a condolence message to Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, he wrote: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Amir of the State of Qatar and your beloved father." The Prime Minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the Government and the brotherly people of the State of Qatar. He said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was a visionary statesman whose distinguished leadership transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous and globally respected nation. His enduring contributions to regional peace, economic development, education and international cooperation will be remembered with profound respect, he added . Bangladesh greatly values its close and fraternal relations with the State of Qatar, which have been nurtured over the decades through mutual trust, shared values and enduring people-to-people ties, said the prime minister. "At this moment of profound grief, my thoughts and prayers are with Your Highness, the Royal Family and the brotherly people of the State of Qatar," the Prime Minister said. He also prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant the departed soul Jannatul Ferdous and to bestow patience, strength and solace upon Your Highness and the bereaved members of the Royal Family.

President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government, and the people of Bangladesh as they confront the severe impacts of the ongoing monsoon floods and landslides. He conveyed the message on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have tragically lost their loved ones and with all those whose livelihoods have been disrupted," said the President of Maldives.  He said the Maldives stands firmly in solidarity with Bangladesh during this challenging period. The President wished safety, strength, and a swift recovery to all affected communities in Bangladesh.

Pakistan  President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the devastating floods and landslides in Bangladesh. In a condolence message, he said that Pakistan stands firmly with the Government and the people of Bangladesh at this difficult time. The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and the well-being of all those affected. The flood situation in seven districts across the country's southeastern and northeastern regions has worsened due to continuous heavy rainfall, upstream water flow, and landslides, leaving 51 people dead so far.

Despite the recent incident involving Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman in New Delhi, Bangladesh, the current chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), will participate in the BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' meeting scheduled to be held in India. Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam will represent Bangladesh at the meeting, and his participation has already been communicated to the Indian government through diplomatic channels, a diplomatic source told UNB. India’s handling of the visit will be viewed as an "important consideration" for future high-level visits and other official engagements between the two countries, the source said. The fifth BIMSTEC National Security Advisers' Meeting will be hosted by India and is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on July 16. Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bangladesh, as the current BIMSTEC chair, is obliged to participate in the meeting. They said Bangladesh will closely monitor whether the host country, India, maintains international diplomatic norms and protocol during Shamsul Islam’s visit. The Indian government has already been informed about the visit, and New Delhi has been requested to extend appropriate support to the Bangladesh delegation, including Shamsul Islam. Bangladesh has recently described India’s explanation regarding the return of Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman from New Delhi as "unsatisfactory", saying the incident at Delhi airport was both "unwanted and regrettable". "The Indian authorities were duly informed in advance through diplomatic channels that Dr Zahed would lead the Bangladesh delegation to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting. However, the incident involving him at the Delhi airport is unwanted and regrettable," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) told UNB. The spokesperson said the remarks made by the official spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the incident had been noted. "The explanation regarding the return of Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed from Delhi airport is not satisfactory," the MoFA spokesperson said.