United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said five Chinese companies have invested USD 8 million in the last one month since the interim government assumed its duties. During a courtesy meeting, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin thanked China for its recent decision of giving the zero-tariff facility for 100 percent tariff lines of all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China, including Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao made his maiden call on the newly appointed Foreign Secretary Jashim at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 12. He congratulated the Foreign Secretary on his appointment and handed over a letter of the Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong acknowledging the Foreign Secretary’s past contributions as Ambassador of Bangladesh to China. Ambassador Yao reiterated China’s commitment of good neighborliness and friendship with Bangladesh. He stated that the friendship between China and Bangladesh is historically deep and China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas and further advance the ‘comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership’. Ambassador Yao referred to the trade issues and mentioned China had already completed necessary formalities to import mangoes from Bangladesh next year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary requested the Ambassador to import a few other agricultural items including jackfruit and guava. He stressed the importance of increasing people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and China especially in connection with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. Ambassador Yao expressed China’s readiness to extend medical treatment to the persons who were injured during the student-led mass upsurge in Bangladesh. China also wants to provide equipment such as boats, power generators, and life jackets to be used for rescue operations for the flood victims, the Ambassador added. Foreign Secretary Jashim appreciated the Chinese initiatives. Both sides also discussed preparing a list of functions to be organized in celebration of the 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations in a befitting manner in 2025. Regional and multilateral issues of common interests and support for each other’s candidatures at the international fora also featured in their discussions. Among others Director General Toufique Hasan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka were present in the meeting.

Bangladesh looks forward to have a “multi-dimensional” discussion as it prepares to welcome the first US delegation after the formation of interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on August 8.   “The arrival of the first team of the United States (during this tenure) is a great reflection of the importance they attach to the relationship with Bangladesh. This implies that this discussion will be multi-dimensional; it will not be limited to just one topic,” said Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin ahead of the visit. The US delegation will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday morning. They will also meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed apart from their other engagement. Foreign Secretary Jashim will host a working lunch where representatives from the relevant ministries will attend.   “US and Bangladeshi officials will discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs,” a Spokesperson at the US Department of State said. “I don't want to make any kind of comments before the discussion starts, which would undermine the normality of the discussion,” said the Foreign Secretary when asked about the specific agenda. US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, who is now visiting New Delhi, will travel to Bangladesh as part of the delegation. Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Jashim said the government wants to move to a mutually beneficial relationship with everyone. The people of Bangladesh have historically had an interest in international affairs, he added. Throughout his trip, Assistant Secretary Lu will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to supporting "our partners’ economic growth and promoting stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region." In Dhaka, Lu will join an interagency delegation for meetings with the Bangladeshi interim government. The delegation, scheduled to arrive on Saturday, will include representatives from the US Department of the Treasury, USAID, and Office of the US Trade Representative. The senior-level US delegation will discuss ways with the interim government to take forward the relations between the two countries in a changed political scenario. Any visit by the US delegation is always important, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. US Deputy Under Secretary/Assistant Secretary for International Finance Brent Neiman will join the US delegation. Neiman serves as the Deputy Under Secretary for International Finance at the U.S Department of the Treasury. The foreign affairs adviser said they will discuss issues which are achievable and stressed that US visa policy will not affect the relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, the United States has lowered its travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 4 to Level 3, urging its citizens to reconsider travel rather than avoiding it entirely. This adjustment signals a perceived reduction in immediate threats to US nationals. The revised advisory was issued shortly before a US delegation's scheduled visit to Bangladesh. The level was raised to 4, the highest level, when the US asked its nationals not to travel to Bangladesh amid student protests in July and August. “Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk,” reads the latest travel advisory. In its country summary, the US said since July 2024 “civil unrest, violent clashes” have largely ended, but conditions may change on short notice. US citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, that could turn violent with little or no warning. Bangladesh and the United States will discuss how the US can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs as Dhaka will welcome a delegation from the US within a couple of days.

A fresh batch of 150 irregular Bangladeshi migrants, who were detained in Libya's Ganfuda Detention Centre, returned home on Friday. A Buraq Air chartered flight carrying the Bangladeshi nationals landed at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 9:15am, according to a press release. The repatriation was facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). On arrival at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the repatriated Bangladeshi citizens were welcomed by the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Each repatriate has received financial assistance of Tk 6,000, along with food items, medical care, and temporary accommodation as needed. Earlier on September 5, four Bangladeshis were repatriated from Tunisia, followed by 18 more the next day. On 6 September, 154 Bangladeshi citizens who were detained in a detention centre in Libya's Tripoli were also brought back home, according to the press release.

The government of Japan has decided to provide the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) with assistance worth USD 1 million in response to the flash floods in northern and south-eastern Bangladesh. Severe flooding began on August 17, 2024, due to active monsoons, causing significant rainfall and rising river levels in 11 districts. Approximately 4.71 million people have been affected. Many are still stranded without food and relief, with reportedly 71 deaths and 207,191 people seeking refuge, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (as of 7th September). With this Japanese emergency assistance, UNHCR will shelter 2,000 households, providing non-food items, water, sanitation, and hygiene support in affected areas. UNICEF, for its part, will provide water, sanitation, and hygiene support to 375,000 people in Noakhali, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, Feni, Chattogram, and Moulvibazar. The Interim Government is now faced with its first large-scale natural disaster since its swearing-in almost one month ago. Japan wishes to stand firmly with Bangladeshi people. "I hope that through UNHCR and UNICEF, relief supplies such as shelters, water, sanitation, and non-food items will be delivered swiftly to those in need,” said IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh. “Japan demonstrates, time and again, its steadfast support to the Rohingya refugee response. This generous contribution to support Bangladesh as it faced devastating floods, will also support UNHCR in swiftly providing emergency assistance to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar whose shelter were destroyed or severely damaged in recent floods and mudslides brought by heavy rains and monsoon,” said Sumbul Rizvi, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. “Bangladesh and the refugee camps it hosts are on the frontline of climate change, and both communities are the first responders when disaster strikes. Such support illustrates not just the solidarity of the people of Japan, but also the commitment to stand together with affected communities,” she added. “The recent tragic floods in Bangladesh have left thousands of households, schools and health facilities without safe drinking water and adequate hygiene and sanitation. Children and their families are at high risk of deadly diseases such as dengue, as well as diarrhea and other water-borne diseases,” said Rana Flowers, Representative to UNICEF in Bangladesh. “UNICEF is honoured to collaborate with the Government of Japan to urgently respond to these critical challenges, implement cutting-edge vector control measures and restore damaged water and sanitation facilities, thereby preventing future disease outbreaks and safeguarding the health and well-being of the most vulnerable children and families.” In addition to the above mentioned commitment, the Government of Japan already provided emergency humanitarian aid worth USD 2 million to the Japan Platform, a platform of Japanese NGOs, to launch a program to provide emergency relief in eastern Bangladesh. Under this program, seven Japanese NGOs are currently delivering on the ground various relief materials including emergency medical care, food, water supply, and daily necessities. Furthermore, the Japanese Commerce & Industry Association in Dhaka and the Japanese Association in Dhaka donated a total of 200,000 Bangladesh Taka to Bangladesh Red Crescent Society to support individuals and families affected by the floods. "Sincerely hoping that this ‘all-Japan’ assistance from the government, businesses, NGOs, and others will help Bangladeshi people to ‘build back better’. Japan remains committed, under the strategic partnership between the two countries, to supporting the Government of Bangladesh as well as the people of Bangladesh in recovering from this natural disaster and in setting a pathway towards a more prosperous Bangladesh," said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka.

Russian world traveler, photographer, and publicist Iurii Artemovich Volkov shared his global adventures during a recent event in Dhaka. The Russian House in Dhaka organised a meeting session with the Russian blogger and traveler, Iurii Artemovich Volkov, accoredin Volkov is a member of the Russian Geographical Society and a candidate for Master of Sports. He is also a member of the motorcycle club "Night Wolves," a sports motorcyclist with the Federation of Motorcycle Tourism of Russia, and the president of the public organization All Worlds. He has participated in more than 65 expeditions and three round-the-world trips, covering 145 countries, Antarctica, and the North Pole. He has been recognized ten times in the Russian Book of Records for setting eighteen world records in travel. He has organized several photo exhibitions titled "All Worlds," focusing on the Friendship of Peoples, and has conducted a series of lectures on public diplomacy. During the meeting, Iurii Volkov recounted his travels across Russia and the globe, highlighting the patriotic project "All the Elements." This project involved displaying the Russian tricolor at various legendary locations worldwide, including Lake Baikal (symbolizing water), a drifting ice floe at the North Pole, and the Kamchatka volcano (representing fire), as well as in Antarctica. The Russian flag, measuring nearly 1,500 square meters, was also showcased on Mount Elbrus, in Moscow, and Crimea. Volkov also shared his life experiences from his travels and answered numerous questions from attendees about Russia. The event was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

India has conveyed that it will continue to work with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of the people of both countries for prosperity, security and development. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma had gone to call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunusand he had conveyed that, said Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday. The High Commissioner had also conveyed India's commitment to taking forward the relationship in accordance with their respective national priorities. "So that is how approach to our ties with Bangladesh are at present," said the MEA Spokesperson while responding to a question in a weekly briefing in New Delhi. Responding to a separate question, the Spokesperson said US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu is visiting India and he has several engagements. He is attending the Ideas Summit Conference, which is being organized by the US-India Business Council. Trade and Commerce Jaiswal said trade and commerce have started with Bangladesh. Trucks are plying between the two countries carrying essential commodities and whatever else that is being traded between India and Bangladesh, he said. On the projects part, he said several of the projects have been impacted because of the situation in Bangladesh. "Right now, they have been disrupted and these projects will recommence when the security situation in Bangladesh permits our personnel, who are working on those projects, and they can return and they can resume work," said the Spokesperson. The project between India’s Numaligarh and Parbatipur in Bangladesh through which they are supplying high-speed diesel is in operation since March of 2023. "There are some added issues in regard to this friendship project, extension of the pipeline on which we have made some proposal to Bangladesh and we await their comeback on it," he mentioned. Adani Project About the Adani project, the Spokesperson said, "What you are referring to is a private project. It is bound by a buyer-seller agreement between two parties. One party happens to be an Indian party and the other party happens to be a Bangladeshi party." He said it is for both these parties to decide what they want out of this arrangement. "It is a buyer-seller…it is a private engagement. So they will have to sit and sort out issues if they have in this particular engagement," said the MEA Spokesperson.

The United States has lowered its travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 4 to Level 3, urging its citizens to reconsider travel rather than avoiding it entirely. This adjustment signals a perceived reduction in immediate threats to US nationals. The revised advisory was issued shortly before a US delegation's scheduled visit to Bangladesh. The level was raised to 4, the highest level, when the US asked its nationals not to travel to Bangladesh amid student protests in July and August.  “Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk,” reads the latest travel advisory. In its country summary, the US said since the July 2024 “civil unrest, violent clashes” have largely ended, but conditions may change on short notice. US citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, that could turn violent with little or no warning. Bangladesh and the United States will discuss how the US can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs as Dhaka will welcome a delegation from the US within a couple of days. US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, as part of the US delegation, will travel to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and the Maldives on Thursday emphasized that the two countries can further strengthen cooperation in the health, fisheries and tourism sectors. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin requested the consideration of the government of Maldives for recruiting Bangladeshi nurses. He made the request when High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed met the new Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that the two countries will explore untapped potentials for stronger trade ties and will pursue multi-sectoral cooperation. The High Commissioner congratulated the Foreign Secretary on assuming his new responsibilities. She also conveyed good wishes from the Foreign Secretary of the Government of Maldives.The Foreign Secretary welcomed the High Commissioner to Bangladesh and congratulated on her appointment. He also assured her of all cooperation. He mentioned that Bangladesh attaches high importance to her relations with the Maldives. He thanked the Government of Maldives for ensuring employment of Bangladeshi workforce in Maldives. The High Commissioner highlighted Bangladesh as an important regional partner and appreciated the contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers as instrumental to the development process in the Maldives. She also informed that the Government of Maldives will soon commence the regularization process for the undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates living in the Maldives. The High Commissioner thanked the government of Bangladesh for hosting a good number of Maldivian students particularly in medical education. The Foreign Secretary informed that the government of Bangladesh attaches high importance to SAARC. Both sides emphasized to work closely at SAARC and other regional and multilateral fora.

Noting the recent students-led mass uprising as an astonishing development, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Siegfried Renggli on Thursday termed this transition as an opportunity for widespread reforms in Bangladesh and assured Swiss government’s support to the reform process. The Ambassador paid his maiden courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and handed over the original congratulatory message from the Swiss Federal Councilor during the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Adviser highlighted the Interim government’s remarkable decision to form a number of commissions to that purpose. He also sought cooperation from the relevant Swiss authorities in identifying and returning illegal assets deposited in the Swiss banks by some Bangladeshi nationals. The Swiss Ambassador assured all cooperation in this regard as per international standards and procedures. Both sides expressed happiness over Bangladesh’s accession to the UN Convention on Enforced Disappearance and agreed to work together to uphold human rights agenda further. On trade and investment, the Ambassador described Bangladesh as a tremendously potential market and urged the need for more private sector engagements and level playing field to attract new Swiss investments. Referring to the immense capability of the Bangladeshi youth especially in ICT, the Adviser requested Swiss support in leveraging their full potential for productivity and economic growth through generating entrepreneurship and employment. The Ambassador shared eagerness of the Swiss side in this regard. Both the Adviser and the Swiss Ambassador discussed about the Rohingya crisis and agreed that the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar with safety, security and rights is the only solution to the crisis. The Swiss Ambassador assured more humanitarian support to the Rohingyas as well as to the host communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Shah Ahmed Shafi has been named as new High Commissioner of Bangladesh to South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his new appointment on Thursday.  Shafi, a career diplomat belonging to the 17th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre, joined Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1998. Currently, he is serving as an Additional Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka; responsible for the bilateral affairs related to the East European countries and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).  Prior to that, he served at the Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka as Director General. Earlier he also served at the National Defence College, Dhaka as a Senior Directing Staff (Foreign Affairs)/ Faculty. In his diplomatic career, he served in different capacities in Bangladesh Missions in Nairobi, Los Angeles, Paris and New Delhi.  He also served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing.     Ambassador-designate Shafi holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Dhaka University.  He did another Master’s in International Relations from the International Institute of Public Administrtation (IIAP), Paris. Later in 2016, he completed NDC course (Master’s in Security and Strategic Studies) from Bangladesh National Defence College. He took part in several other professional training courses both at home and abroad, and represented Bangladesh in numerous international meetings and negotiations.  He is fluent in English and French while Bengali is his native language.