United News of Bangladesh

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in collaboration with ‘The Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society (BMSS)’ has launched the 'Scholarship for Medical Students' initiative—Bangladesh’s first-ever program offering medical students’ free access to certified courses from world-renowned universities. This initiative, under the Futurenation platform of UNDP and Grameenphone, will provide 300 medical students from 60 medical colleges across the country the opportunity to pursue specialized courses from prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, Imperial College London, and others. The programme aims to bridge local and global medical education, ensuring students enhance their skills in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, public health, and more, UNDP said on Wednesday. Md. Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications at UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the significance of this scholarship and said, "This partnership makes global medical education accessible and helps build skilled healthcare professionals. We plan to expand this program further to reach more students across the country." Debashis Roy, Private Sector Partnership Specialist and National Project Manager of Futurenation said, “This collaboration marks a milestone for Bangladesh’s medical community. By providing free, certified courses from global institutions, we’re empowering the next generation of doctors with essential skills that will shape the future of our healthcare system.” Iftekhar Ahmed Sakib, Vice President of External Affairs at BMSS, said this scholarship is a transformative step for medical education in Bangladesh. “It addresses the diverse academic interests of students and aligns with their professional goals." Among others, Shirazum Munira, Secretary General of BMSS, , Nishita Sanaul, Training Program Coordination Assistant UNDP, Maisha Rubaiyat, IT Assistant UNDP, Azlafa Nawshaba, Private Sector Employment Assistant UNDP, Iqbal Hasan, Officer Content Creation UNDP were also present. Futurenation is a platform dedicated to empowering youth through education and skill development. By offering tailored training programs, it equips young individuals with the expertise needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.

 Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday met Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and discussed water conservation and environmental protection issues. The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on China-Bangladesh relations and promoting bilateral cooperation on water conservation and environmental protection, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. Rizwana Hasan is the Adviser for Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources.

Russia has said those who produce and spread "fake news" about the alleged embezzlement at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) deliberately attempted to “discredit” this ambitious project and “undermine” steady and mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Dhaka. “It has come to our attention that certain misleading and false information regarding alleged embezzlement in the Rooppur NPP project keep circulating in Bangladesh media despite two press releases issued earlier by Rosatom State Corporation to refute these ungrounded statements,” said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday. In order to put an end to further absurd speculations on the subject, it seems necessary to clarify the mechanism of utilisation of Russian export credits and the amount of money already spent on the construction of the Rooppur NPP, it said in a press statement. As of September 3, 2024, approximately 7.8 billion USD out of 11.9 billion USD provided by Russia to Bangladesh under state export credits for the implementation of Rooppur NPP project has been utilised. This amount includes transactions under two separate agreements: 491.3 million USD under the first agreement dated January 15, 2013 (this credit amounted up to 500 million USD, and its utilization period expired in 2017), and 7.3 billion USD under the second agreement dated July 26, 2016. The full amount of the second export credit is 11.38 billion USD out of which 64% has been used, and its utilisation period expires on December 31, 2024. The lack of opportunity for any corruption in the Rooppur NPP project can be proven by the fact that according to the laws of the Russian Federation, the provision of any state export credit does not imply direct transfer of funds to the sovereign borrower, said the Embassy. The financing of any goods, works or services provided to a foreign customer under the export agreement is conducted by the Russian Ministry of Finance in Russian currency (rubles) directly to the concerned Russian exporting companies. “These transactions are made based on the documents provided to the Russian Ministry of Finance that have been previously approved by the authorized agent specializing on international agreements – VEB.RF (Vnesheconombank),” said the Russian Mission in Dhaka. The utilised amounts of state export credits are considered as debt of the foreign state borrower before the Russian Federation, it said.

Transparency International US and Transparency International Bangladesh have said the U.S. can demonstrate its genuine partnership by playing a proactive role in helping the country recover the assets that rightly belong to the people and that are so desperately needed to rebuild its future. They have written to the US Secretary of State and US Secretary of the Treasury seeking urgent action to support a transparent, accountable, inclusive, and democratic future for Bangladesh. In their letter to Secretary Anthony Blinken and Secretary Janet Yellen, Transparency International U.S Executive Director Gary Kalman and TIB Executive Director Iftekhar Zaman said as a long-standing partner of Bangladesh, the U.S. can offer timely support at this crucial time in Bangladesh’s history. They called upon the U.S. government to provide critical support to the interim Bangladeshi government to address corruption and money laundering in the following ways: 1 The U.S. government can investigate whether any assets looted by any Bangladeshi individual or company are recoverable property in the U.S. and act swiftly to impose property and account freezing orders as the first step to facilitate their forfeiture and repatriation to Bangladesh and hold the perpetrators to account. 2 The U.S. government could offer expertise, including from forensic accountants, lawyersand law enforcement to support reforms and capacity building of Bangladesh’s relevant institutions like the Anti-Corruption Commission, Financial Intelligence Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, National Board of Revenue and Attorney General’s Office, so that they can identify stolen assets, build a robust evidence base for freezing these assets, and facilitate swift law enforcement action to recover them. 3 The U.S. government could work with the governments of the UK, Canada, Australia,EU, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and UAE (particularly Dubai), and with the interim government, and in-country experts, including civil society within Bangladesh, to identify key targets for imposing financial sanctions and visa bans. To further geopolitical and economic objectives, the U.S. has built close ties with Bangladesh, reads the letter dated September 10. The U.S. is its largest foreign investor and largest export country destination. The U.S. relies on Bangladesh to assist with regional security efforts and efforts to counter terrorism, they said. As such, in recent years, the U.S. has strongly supported efforts to move Bangladesh toward a more open and democratic society, engaging a variety of tools from trade incentives to sanctions of corrupt public officials. Today, they said Bangladesh is experiencing a pivotal moment in its history. "Peaceful student protests against certain discriminatory policies have grown into people’s uprising against increasing levels of inequality and corruption attributed to the previous government of Bangladesh," the letter says. The ensuing brutal crackdown by the law enforcement agencies has left over 1000 dead. Now, serious evidence regarding the misappropriation of state assets by former Bangladeshi officials and their allies is being unearthed. "These assets ultimately belong to the people of Bangladesh, which is why we write to urge the U.S. government to identify and move to seize any such assets in the U.S.," the letter reads. The process to recover those assets should begin quickly so that the funds can help Bangladesh build a more transparent, accountable, democratic and inclusive future. "Corruption allegations involving former ministers, bankers, senior public officials, the armed forces, and police are overwhelming," said the Executive Directors of the two organisations.

Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Nahid Islam has emphasized the need for foreign investment to develop a new Bangladesh, which has emerged through the mass uprising of students and the general public. He assured that any investment protecting national interests would be welcomed. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Helen LaFave, at the Secretariat's Post and Telecommunications Division office today. When Commercial Counselor John Fay inquired about investments by U.S. companies like Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle in Bangladesh, the Advisor reiterated that any investment safeguarding national interests is welcome. He also requested that these companies consider setting up their data centers in Bangladesh instead of India. During the meeting, Nahid Islam expressed gratitude to the United States for the friendly relations between the two countries and their mutual partnership and cooperation in various developmental sectors in Bangladesh. He also briefed the Charge d'Affaires on the government's firm and uncompromising stance against corruption, injustice, and discrimination. The meeting was attended by Secretary of the Post and Telecommunications Division Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division Md. Shamsul Arefin, U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Counselor Eric Zillan, Economic Officer James Gardiner, Commercial Counselor John Fay, and Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ebeli.

Khandaker Masudul Alam, currently serving as Director General (North America Wing), has been made new Chief of Protocol, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Alam will also lead the North America wing in addition to his role as the Chief of Protocol. Current CP Nayem Uddin Ahmed has been made DG of South East Asia wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the other hand, Rahat Bin Zaman has been made DG (UN wing). He was serving as DG of South East Asia Wing. Tareq Ahmed, currently serving as DG (Research wing), will now lead the International Organisations wing. Wahida Ahmed has moved to the Multilateral Economic Affairs wing from International Organisations wing. Shanchita Haque will move to the Research wing from the Multilateral Economic Affairs wing. On the other hand, Mohammad Barikul Islam will move to Foreign Affairs Adviser's office as a director from the Myanmar wing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued an office order regarding the changes.

Bangladesh and the United States will discuss how the United States can support Bangladesh’s economic growth, financial stability and development needs as Dhaka will welcome a delegation from the US within a few days. “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 on Tuesday. US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will travel to India and Bangladesh from September 10 to 16, said the Spokesperson. 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, Assistant Secretary Lu will join an interagency delegation for meetings with the Bangladeshi interim government. The delegation 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. This is going to be the first such visit from the US since the formation of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on August 8. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey W. Ford and US Deputy Under Secretary/Assistant Secretary for International Finance Brent Neiman will join the US delegation. In this role, Ford serves as the principal adviser to senior leadership within the Department of Defence for all policy matters pertaining to the development and implementation of defence strategies and plans for the region. Her area of responsibility includes bilateral security relations with India and all other South Asian countries, excepting Afghanistan; and with the nations of Southeast Asia. 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. The delegation will call on Chief Adviser Professor Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed apart from their other engagements. Assistant Secretary Lu will travel to New Delhi before his arrival in Dhaka where he will highlight U.S.-India cooperation to promote development, security, and women’s economic security at the India Ideas Summit, hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council. He will also co-chair the eighth U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, alongside U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal and counterparts from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Ministry of Defense. The Dialogue will identify opportunities to enhance the U.S.-India bilateral partnership, including defense cooperation, and expand U.S.-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof on Tuesday requested Bangladesh for easing visas for Pakistani nationals to Bangladesh for further advancing the trade and economic relations between the two countries and enhancing people-to-people contact. He also underscored the need for early resumption of direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan by either Bangladeshi or Pakistani airlines. The envoy paid a courtesy call on the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim government Md Touhid Hossain today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues. Referring to his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, High Commissioner Maroof assured the full support of the Government of Pakistan in any initiative to reinvigorate the SAARC and expressed hope that Bangladesh and Pakistan will continue to work closely at other multilateral fora. The High Commissioner expressed hope that the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chief Adviser would be meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA in New York, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The envoy congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his appointment as the Foreign Affairs Adviser. He referred to the congratulatory messages of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Chief Adviser and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to work with the interim government of Bangladesh for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. The High Commissioner of Pakistan emphasized the need to strengthen relations between the two countries. He emphasized the necessity of resuming the activities of the existing bilateral mechanisms like Foreign Secretary-level Consultations and Joint Economic Commission. The Foreign Affairs Adviser also underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral relations and assured to extend necessary cooperation for further advancing the ties. He also emphasized the importance of revitalizing SAARC to foster strong regional cooperation for the benefits of the peoples of the region.

Newly appointed Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Tuesday said India is the closest neighbor of Bangladesh and Bangladesh looks forward to taking forward the relationship to a people-centric approach. The Foreign Secretary underscored the significance of addressing key issues that could act as catalyst for a forward looking relationship, particularly stopping border killings and concluding the Teesta water-sharing agreement. He also discussed the flood situation in Bangladesh when Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Foreign Secretary on assuming his new responsibilities. He expressed the willingness of the government of India to work with the interim government of Bangladesh in the coming days. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation recently through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students, joined by the mass people.  He thanked the government of India and the Prime Minister of India for his good wishes extended to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. He also thanked the External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar for his message of felicitation to the Adviser of Foreign Affairs on his assumption of new responsibilities. On regional cooperation, Foreign Secretary stressed meaningful regional cooperation under SAARC and BIMSTEC. The Foreign Secretary mentioned that Bangladesh expects cooperation from India on the issue of early repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar.

Md. Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has acknowledged dissatisfaction with the current wage board and noted that the low salary structure is causing young people to lose interest in journalism. He said that there are ongoing considerations for reforming the wage board. The adviser made these comments during a meeting with the U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires Helen LaFave at the Secretariat's Post and Telecommunications Division office today. He added that if journalists take the initiative for reforms, the government would work towards resolving the issue. Addressing inquiries from Helen LaFave regarding media freedom, particularly in relation to the Cyber Security Act, Nahid Islam affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring media freedom. He criticized past governments for undermining media freedom through certain laws, including the Cyber Security Act, and assured that his administration is working on this issue, saying that no law conflicting with international human rights standards would be retained. He also mentioned plans to collaborate with the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), university journalism departments, and citizen journalists on training programs. The meeting was attended by Secretary of the Post and Telecommunications Division Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division Md. Shamsul Arefin, U.S. Embassy Political-Economic Counselor Eric Zillan, Economic Officer James Gardiner, Commercial Counselor John Fay, and Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ebeli.