The Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ramis Sen, paid a courtesy call on Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin at his office on Monday afternoon. During the meeting, they discussed various aspects of bilateral trade prospects between the two countries and the upcoming potential visit of Turkey's Trade Minister to Bangladesh in January. The Trade Adviser emphasized the strong commercial relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey. He noted that increasing economic engagement and fostering stronger trade ties between the two nations would bring mutual benefits for both countries and their business communities. Ambassador Ramis Sen remarked that the visit of Turkey's Trade Minister to Bangladesh would serve as a significant demonstration of Turkey's solidarity with Bangladesh, particularly with its interim government and the people of Bangladesh. He said that the visit would also be an important step toward exploring and enhancing the commercial potential between the two countries. The Turkish Ambassador provided detailed information to the Trade Adviser about the upcoming visit of Turkey's Trade Minister to Bangladesh. Also present at the meeting was Ayesha Akhter, Additional Secretary (FTA) of the Ministry of Commerce.

Amid escalating conflicts in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Bangladesh on Tuesday reiterated that it would take all necessary steps to ensure required security along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and stop further infiltration into Bangladesh. “Bangladesh will do whatever is necessary for its securing its border. All relevant agencies of the Bangladesh government, including the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), are on the highest and appropriate alert in this regard to prevent new infiltration into Bangladesh,” spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at its weekly briefing. On December 8, he said, the Arakan Army captured Maungdaw city in Rakhine State, taking control of 13 out of 17 cities. Responding to a question, Rafiqul Alam said it is difficult to say how many people are waiting on the other side of the border. Bangladesh informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under their control; rather it is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. As a state, Bangladesh says, it cannot engage with a non-state actor and Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine. Bangladesh renewed the call for a "comprehensive roadmap" for Rohingya repatriation with priority attached to ensuring stability in Rakhine State. Read: US reaffirms support for Rohingya amid concern over Myanmar On Sunday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh had to accept over 60,000 Rohingyas under certain circumstances through various unofficial channels, including border-related corruption, despite its decision in principle not to allow any new arrivals from Myanmar. “We had a position in principle that no new arrival one will be allowed. No one was allowed formally. Another thing we need to keep in mind is that there is huge corruption at the border. And it is true,” he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his recent informal consultation at the ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries. The six-nation consultation was held in Bangkok on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. The meeting was attended, among others, by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Than Swe. Responding to a question, Hossain said the Rohingyas are not entering Bangladesh through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop. Asked about a potential new influx of Rohingya refugees, he dismissed such possibilities. "I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," Hossain said. Bangladesh is aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7 plus years. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, Adviser Hossain said. Read more: Myanmar's Arakan Army claims control of border with Bangladesh Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the Foreign Adviser said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights." "It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, he said. “I had the scope to talk in detail as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly,” Hossain told reporters at the foreign ministry. “If Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace and stability that you are thinking of will never be achieved,” he said, while conveying Bangladesh’s position during the meeting in Bangkok.

Bangladesh has launched a negotiation formally with South Korea on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in an effort to open a broader window for economic cooperation between the two countries. "The Council of Advisers has been informed about the launching of the negotiation. We hope these negotiation will end soon," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters while briefing at Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday afternoon. He said South Korea which has developed into one of Asia's most affluent countries with rapid development may emerge as a big market for Bangladesh once the EPA is done. The issue was discussed at the meeting of Council of Advisers held on Tuesday with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Alam said Bangladesh is looking for a greater market going beyond the European and American markets. Read: Tarique expresses solidarity with people of South Korea in quest for democracy The Press Secretary said the government wants to explore new markets as part of its efforts to diversify the economy. “We want new markets that include South Korea.” South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik laid emphasis on taking bold steps for stronger ties, eyeing the next 50 years journey together with Bangladesh. "Let's renew our commitment to each other and take a bold step forward for a closer, deeper, stronger, and brighter future," he said. Bangladesh and South Korea cherished their close ties for the past 50 years, and the South Korean envoy hoped that everyone would join hands to start the next 50-year journey in the friendship between Korea and Bangladesh. Over the last 5 decades, the two countries have witnessed a remarkable journey of cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, development, and people-to-people exchanges. He said the government is also in discussion with Japan, which has the world's third-largest economy, on a similar kind of EPA for stronger economic cooperation. Earlier, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin said an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan would significantly boost trade potential between the two countries, opening new opportunities for Bangladesh. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present at the media briefing.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir on Tuesday said Adviser Mahfuj Alam's recent Facebook post was entirely his personal opinion and things were made clear in his follow-up Facebook post. “It is entirely his (Mahfuj) personal opinion. He shared another post from his Facebook account where he made things clear,” he said while responding to a question about the recent Facebook post which drew reactions from India. Clarifying further, Apurba said the Facebook post was deleted later and stressed that it was not government’s opinion what Mahfuj shared from his verified Facebook account. Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal, while responding to a question in a weekly briefing on December 20, said they have taken this up with the Bangladesh government. "We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal said. In his follow-up Facebook post, Adviser Mahfuj Alam said the nation lives on imagination and the state on institutions. Read: India should recognise July uprising, democratic struggle: Mahfuj “The imagination and articulation in line with history, culture, and civilization are necessary elements for reinvigorating the spirit of the nation. Yes, the state and its functionaries demand prudence and pragmatism,” he said. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present at the media briefing.  

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said he remains optimistic about Dhaka-Delhi relations despite changes happening around, noting that the two countries can really offer to each other something which they do not need to go elsewhere to find. "This is how we look at the relationship. We have so many things to offer each other with our growing capabilities and rising ambitions to grow and develop," he said, reiterating that they strongly support "democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh. He made the remarks during an interaction with diplomatic correspondents at the High Commission on Monday evening, following their participation in a two-phase training programme in New Delhi. Bangladesh had to accept huge Rohingyas under certain circumstances: Touhid Hossain Verma said they are looking at the relationship from a long term perspective much beyond a short-term outlook.  "We need to look at our relationship with mutual sensitivity - sensitivity to each other's interests, each other’s concerns and aspirations," said the High Commissioner.  High Commissioner Verma said they have a strong stake in each other’s progress and prosperity. He said they are really willing to have a "positive, stable and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh with a forward-looking approach which is mutually beneficial.  "It has to be a mutually beneficial relationship. We also believe that people are the key stakeholders in this relationship. We strongly believe that our cooperation benefits the common people on both sides," said High Commissioner Verma.  He said any notion that things are slowed down is not correct and they are working to take forward the relations.  The High Commissioner referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, later their telephone conversation, and Modi's invitation to Prof Yunus to join the third Voice of Global South Summit hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser He also referred to the meeting between External Affairs Adviser Dr S Jaishankar and his Bangladesh counterpart Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the UNGA and recently held Foreign Office Consultations at the foreign secretary-level to give a sense that things are not slowed down.  Verma said there is significant robustness in the relations and essential commodities are coming to Bangladesh from India.  He said there are still more visas than "probably all other embassies put together" in Bangladesh.  The High Commissioner laid emphasis on transforming geographical proximity to new economic opportunities.  Verma said he sincerely believes that the fundamentals of the relationship is strong enough to take them forward despite changes around that they see. He said they are doing everything they need to do to take forward the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.  Phone Call: Sullivan lauds Prof Yunus for initiating vital political, election reforms The High Commission of India organized the weeklong training programme in India for the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) and other journalists in two phases this year.  President of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu were present.  Former DCAB President and Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus, Views Bangladesh Editor Md Mehedi Hasan Rashed and New Age Chief of Correspondents Mustafizur Rahman shared their experiences during the interactions. 

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said China is committed to continuing its utmost support for Bangladesh’s development and deepening cooperation in infrastructure projects including railways. "We are ready to actively consider all project proposals officially submitted by the Bangladeshi government after a sound feasibility and cost-benefit analysis," he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project. Noting that next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, Ambassador Yao said China is also ready to provide technical support for feasibility studies. Adviser for the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Railways Fahim Islam, and Director General of Bangladesh Railway Afzal Hussain were, among others, present. According to statistics released by Bangladesh, in the fiscal year 2024, he said, the total amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Bangladesh declined by 8.8%. Phone Call: Sullivan lauds Prof Yunus for initiating vital political, election reforms But the FDI from China experienced a remarkable threefold increase compared to the previous fiscal year, said Ambassador Yao, adding, "So far, more than 20 Chinese companies have set up their South Asian headquarters in Bangladesh."   Since the interim government took office, at least 11 Chinese enterprises have invested a total of $180 million in Bangladesh. The Ambassador said they will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to remain deeply engaged in Bangladesh, contributing to the nation’s industrial upgrading and export diversification and further strengthening our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to benefit the Bangladeshi people. "As a key cooperation project under the Belt and Road Initiative, it is also the “Road of Dreams” for the Bangladeshi people," he said, referring to the rail link project. With today’s entire operation of the project, the travel time between Dhaka and Jessore will be reduced from 10 hours to 2 hours, directly benefiting a population of 80 million and contributing an estimated 1.5 percent to Bangladesh’s GDP growth, he said. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides overcame difficulties to ensure the project was completed safely, with high quality, and on schedule, said the envoy. Sullivan, Prof Yunus pledge to protect human rights of all people: White House Project engineers shared that as the largest infrastructure project undertaken by China in Bangladesh, this project has extensively adopted advanced Chinese technologies and equipment, including ballastless tracks and automated sleeper production lines. Villagers along the project route also expressed their gratitude, saying that Chinese enterprises are not only builders of projects but also doers of public welfare to local communities. They helped construct access roads, build bridges, improve flood drainage systems, and donate flood relief, anti-epidemic control, and educational materials. "The project provided thousands of jobs for local communities and trained thousands of skilled Bangladeshi technicians," said Ambassador Yao, adding that it has successfully driven economic and social development along the route, becoming a model of Bangladesh-China economic and trade cooperation. "China stands ready to collaborate with Bangladesh to ensure this railway delivers even more significant economic and social benefits," said the Ambassador. China pursues a policy of friendship and good-neighbourliness for all the people of Bangladesh, and sincerely hopes that the nation could achieve unity, stability, and development, and firmly supports the interim government, he said. Since the establishment of the interim government, Ambassador Yao said, China has demonstrated its support with concrete actions.  "We dispatched a medical team to Bangladesh to assist those injured in the July-August movement." Screening of the Russian documentary film of the RT Documentary channel "Camera! Motor! Yakutia Recently, a delegation led by the Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency visited Bangladesh, and had a meeting with Chief Advisor Prof Yunus and other advisors, delivering emergency relief and medical supplies. In response to Prof Yunus’ request for Chinese enterprises to establish solar panel manufacturing plants in Bangladesh, a delegation of Chinese photovoltaic enterprises from the People’s Government of Yunnan Province of China is currently exploring investment opportunities here. The envoy said Bangladesh has begun to enjoy zero tariff treatment for 100% of taxable items to China since December 1st this year. China has remained Bangladesh's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. The Chinese enterprises hold a positive outlook on the development prospects of Bangladesh, he said.

The National Security Adviser of the United States, Jake Sullivan, has praised Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for the progress that the country has already made in turning around the economy and for initiating vital political, election, and other reforms. Prof Yunus told Sullivan he is expecting reports of six major reform commissions within January. After that, the consensus-building process will begin to prepare the nation for reforms and elections, he said. Sullivan, Prof Yunus pledge to protect human rights of all people: White House They spoke on the phone on Monday evening to discuss issues of mutual interest, said the Chief Adviser's press wing on Tuesday morning. Sullivan reconfirmed US support for the Prof Yunus-led interim government and for a "prosperous, stable, and democratic" Bangladesh. He praised the leadership of Prof Yunus in the past four and a half months after he assumed the role of the chief adviser of the interim government on August 8. He also thanked Prof Yunus for announcing the possible election dates, and he offered continued US support for the democratic process of the country. During the phone call they also discussed the overall development situation in the country. Prof Yunus thanked the US for its generous support to Bangladesh in overcoming the inherited problems. WB pledges support for Bangladesh's key reform initiatives The chief adviser thanked the US for its vital support in this challenging period for Bangladesh. He recalled his meeting with President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his tour to New York in September.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, and both leaders expressed their "commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights" of all people, regardless of religion.  Sullivan reiterated the United States’ support for a "prosperous, stable and democratic" Bangladesh, according to a readout shared by the White House on December 23 (US time). WB pledges support for Bangladesh's key reform initiatives He offered the United States’ continued support in meeting the challenges Bangladesh faces. Sullivan thanked Chief Adviser Dr Yunus for his leadership of Bangladesh during a challenging period. Bangladesh had to accept huge Rohingyas under certain circumstances: Touhid Hossain

Russian House in Dhaka organized the screening of a documentary, "Camera! Motor! Yakutia," on Monday, on occasion of International Cinema Day. Located in the country's far north-east, the Yakutian republic, Sakha, is the largest constituent republic in the Russian Federation. The documentary focuses on the Yakutian people's love for cinema. During the event, the audience learned: "Any Yakutian dreams of starring in a movie or making a movie," they say in the republic. In terms of film production, the region is in third place in Russia. Only Moscow and St. Petersburg are ahead, according to the documentary. Yakut films are renowned for their triumphs at international festivals and being the favorites of film critics. At the local box office they successfully compete with Hollywood blockbusters. During the event an online presentation of the Omsk State Agricultural University was held for the participants.

World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh Abdoulaye Seck on Monday reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting key reform initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh’s interim government. Seck said this when he made a farewell call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser thanked Seck, who is retiring in January, for support during his tenure at World Bank-supported projects in critical sectors like infrastructure, climate resilience, service process digitalisation, education, healthcare and poverty alleviation. Seck told the Chief Adviser that the World Bank approved nearly $1.2 billion in three financings on December 19 to help Bangladesh build climate resilience and environmental sustainability while improving health, nutrition and water and sanitation services in Chattogram city. Prof Yunus urges focus on attitudes, ethics in skilling young workforce On Sunday, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the World Bank signed two financings totalling $900 million. One of the projects will develop secondary cities by constructing climate-resilient and gender-responsive infrastructure along the economic corridor from Cox's Bazar in the south to Panchagarh in the north. The other financing, a $500 million development policy credit to support green growth, will be disbursed to the national treasury by this month. The World Bank’s development portfolio stands at about $ 45 billion since 1972, which has made a significant contribution to the development trajectory of Bangladesh, particularly in reducing poverty, ensuring sustained economic growth, and improving education, health, and disaster management. Bangladesh Bank ready to ensure enhanced cash flow: Dr Yunus The Chief Adviser wished Seck and his family good health on his retirement. Special Envoy to Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, senior secretary for SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed and ERD secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky were among others present on the occasion.