United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu has said trade between Bangladesh and Thailand would become easier by using Chattogram and Ranong ports which will reduce the days of cargo travel. Being strategic partners in the region, Bangladesh and Thailand cooperate with each other both bilaterally and multilaterally, he said. The state minister was speaking at a reception organized jointly by Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka in honor of Thai Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Nalinee Taveesin on Sunday. Planting trees essential to protect country's territory from Climate Change: State Minister for Finance The adviser, who is also Thai Trade Representative, is leading a high profile delegation from Thailand comprising of 25 members from different business sectors. The main purpose of the visit from July 13-17 is to promote bilateral trade and investment between two friendly countries. During the visit, an effective business to business (B2B) matchmaking was held in Dhaka organized jointly by BTCCI and the Thai Embassy where 120 business contracts were held between the Thai delegates and interested BTCCI members. The state minister emphasized ways to boost relations with each other in order to nurture the economic diplomacy adopted during the recent visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Thailand and BTCCI is significantly taking the opportunity for playing important roles on this. Ahasanul Islam called for FTA between the two nations for greater business opportunities. He also said that Thailand is an advanced economy, and is recognized globally as a hub of the Asia-Pacific region due to its impressive creation, innovation and development of versatile products. In B2B matchmaking, 45 Bangladeshi companies joined for business ties with the visiting Thai delegation. The Advisor to the Prime Minister of Thailand thanked BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy for arranging the event with Bangladeshi companies. She said the office of the Prime Minister of Thailand would extend its all-out support and cooperation for the growing bilateral and mutual business interest between Bangladesh and Thailand through BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka. Inflation was highest in 2022-23 fiscal: State Minister for Commerce BTCCI President Shams Mahmud sought more investment in Bangladesh, saying there is a business friendly-environment in the country. Welcoming the Thai delegation to Bangladesh, he also emphasized to look for more strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the future Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, Dr Md Sarwar Bari, Executive Chairman of BEZA, Md Munir Hossain, Sr Vice President of BTCCI & Vice President of FBCCI, Md. Salem Sulaiman, Vice President, MA Momen, former President of BTCCI and DCCI, Khemathat Arawathamrong, Honorary Director, Abul Kasem Khan, Director, Shamima Rahman, Director Admin, Mohammad Junaed Ibna Ali, Director Finance, Md Nazmul Hossen ACS, Secretary of BTCCI were present, among others.  

Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh Ambassador Charles Whiteley on Sunday described Bangladesh as a good friend of the EU and commended Bangladesh’s commitment towards EU initiatives, particularly Global Gateway, Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and CRIMARIO II project. Quota protests lack justification: Hasan Mahmud During a farewell meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud reiterated Bangladesh’s desire of attaining EU’s EBA GSP trade facility until 2032, in consideration of the adverse impacts of climate change on Bangladesh impacts, to support Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from the LDC. Ambassador Whiteley underscored the importance of complying with GSP regulations to secure the GSP+ trade facility beyond 2029.  The Foreign Minister expressed delight over the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-EU partnership last year and in this connection, recalled the fruitful visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Brussels in October 2023 to join the inaugural Global Gateway Forum. Don't mislead students, wait for court to resolve quota issue: Hasan Mahmud The Foreign Minister and the EU Head of Delegation shared happiness over the Bangladesh-EU Talent Partnership and hoped that this would bring immense success in opening legal pathways for migration of skilled workers from Bangladesh to the EU Members States. Thanking the EU for its continued humanitarian assistances to the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh, the Foreign Minister sought EU and its Member States’ strong support in resolving the crisis through their safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation to Myanmar. Ambassador Whiteley, with his practical experience of working in Bangladesh, assured to duly convey the severity of the Rohingya crisis and its impacts on this region to the EU Headquarters for stronger support. The Foreign Minister congratulated the EU envoy on successful completion of his tour of duty in Bangladesh and praised his efforts and contributions in further strengthening Bangladesh-EU partnership. Hasan Mahmud requests Jaishankar to ensure smooth supply of commodities from India Ambassador Whiteley thanked the Foreign Minister for all-out support of the Government of Bangladesh in discharging his responsibilities.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said that the next Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will be held on September 4 in Bangkok, Thailand. Briefing the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the recently held second BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat, he said Bangladesh will take responsibility as the next chair of BIMSTEC there. “Never want violence in politics”: Foreign Minister condemns attack on Trump The 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat was held in New Delhi on July 11-12 and saw the participation of Foreign/External Affairs Ministers from all member states, with the exception of Nepal, which was represented by its Foreign Secretary. Foreign Minister Hasan led the Bangladesh delegation in this Retreat. Secretary General of the BIMSTEC Indra Mani Pandey has recently said the next Summit will have some significant outcomes and it will set a direction for the future of the BIMSTEC. The BIMSTEC Secretary General hoped the upcoming Summit would add new vigour to regional cooperation within BIMSTEC. "I believe BIMSTEC has a bright future. All the members are truly committed to make sure BIMSTEC becomes a success story," he said while making a presentation on BIMSTEC activities at its headquarters in Dhaka recently. The Summit will adopt a Bangkok Vision 2030 which would be an overarching kind of document and give direction to the organisation, he said, adding that it would be one of the significant outcomes. The primary objective of the Retreat was to engage in open and candid discussions on areas of cooperation within BIMSTEC to find solutions to the regional challenges and to brainstorm new ideas and suggestions for the future direction of the organization. Given the various global and regional developments, the meeting (retreat) assumed greater significance and set the stage for enhanced regional cooperation for the benefit of the people of the region. The retreat was divided into two sessions. During the first session, the Foreign Ministers introduced several new ideas aimed at strengthening the BIMSTEC process. They discussed strategies to ensure the success of the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit and followed up on discussions from the 1st BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers meeting held in Bangkok on 16 July 2023. BIMSTEC foreign ministers' retreat in Delhi sets stage for enhanced regional cooperation Among the key proposals was the establishment of Centers of Excellence in member states, focusing on Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Maritime Transport. India announced support for cancer research and treatment, while Sri Lanka proposed the inclusion of kidney disease. Additionally, India announced the issuance of e-visas for medical treatment for patients from all member states. The ministers also stressed the involvement of the private sector in trade and investment promotion and the promotion of young entrepreneurs. They emphasized the importance of connectivity and cyber-security for the region's socioeconomic development. Countering transnational crimes including trafficking of narcotics and illegal arms came up as the common priority. In the second session, the Foreign Ministers discussed their expectations from the forthcoming Summit and emphasized the need for an action-oriented Declaration to convey a message to the region's people that the leaders are committed to strengthen regional cooperation by infusing new energy and resources. On the sidelines of the retreat, the Foreign Minister held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of India and Myanmar, discussing issues of mutual interests. During his meeting with his Indian counterpart, Foreign Minister Hasan discussed with Dr S Jaishankar the issue of sending a technical team for the conservation and management of the Teesta River, a decision which was taken at the meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 22 June. The Foreign Minister also urged Jaishankar to ensure a smooth supply of essential commodities. During his meeting with his Myanmar counterpart, the Foreign Minister emphasized the early repatriation of the over 1.2 million forcefully displaced Myanmar nationals. Myanmar's Foreign Minister announced readiness to resume the repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. Bangladesh to discuss offshore banking opportunities with Saudi Arabia: Foreign Minister On the second day, the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers called on the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. During the discussions, the Foreign Minister highlighted effective cooperation in trade and investment promotion, disaster management, food and energy security, climate change, public health, connectivity, and the blue economy. He urged member states to follow Bangladesh's example of banning fishing during the breeding season to address the depletion of fish population in the Bay of Bengal. The Retreat reinforced the commitment of BIMSTEC member states to foster stronger and more meaningful regional cooperation and realize the shared vision of the people and leadership of the region. As the region looks forward to the forthcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit, the outcome of the Retreat is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of BIMSTEC, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to aiding Bangladesh in its fight against climate vulnerability and extreme poverty. Whiteley made these remarks today as the guest of honour at a workshop titled “Pathway to Prosperity for Extremely Poor People - European Union (PPEPP-EU),” organized by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) at its auditorium in Agargaon. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Mia, attended the program as the chief guest, while Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, was the special guest. PKSF Chairman Dr. M. Khairul Islam presided over the event. Charles Whiteley: Bangladesh’s economic trajectory “undeniably impressive” The EU Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the progress made in alleviating extreme poverty through EU-funded initiatives, noting that many individuals have successfully emerged from dire conditions, and their second generation now has the opportunity for a brighter future. “Hearing the success stories of vulnerable families who have overcome their struggles and now have access to clean drinking water, proper healthcare, and sanitation services is truly inspiring,” Whiteley said. The workshop highlighted that 5.6 percent people in Bangladesh still live in extreme poverty, a number targeted for eradication by 2030 in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speakers at the event noted that the rate of reduction in extreme poverty is higher than that of general poverty, thanks to continuous support from the government and development partners. They pointed out that the poverty ratio has decreased from over 25 percent in 2006 to 18.7 percent currently, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises. Bangladesh made strong progress towards transition to GSP plus: Charles Whiteley The EU is funding the PPEPP-EU project under a three-year package, set to conclude in 2025. However, speakers emphasized that three years is insufficient for achieving sustainable development for the beneficiaries. They urged for continued support from the EU to ensure the extreme poverty reduction program becomes a sustainable model for vulnerable populations.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today highlighted the need to enhance trade, commerce, and cooperation between South and Southeast Asia, particularly emphasizing improved connectivity between Bangladesh and Thailand. During a meeting with Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand, at her official residence Ganabhaban, Hasina proposed offering a dedicated land in Cox’s Bazar for Thai investors to develop their tourism business. “If needed, Bangladesh could offer a separate land in Cox’s Bazar where Thai investors could flourish their tourism business,” she said. Thai PM's adviser Dr Nalinee in Dhaka PM’s Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan briefed reporters after the meeting. Dr. Nalinee, holding a ministerial rank and serving as a Thai trade representative, is visiting Bangladesh as part of a four-day official visit, leading a Thai business delegation that arrived in Dhaka on Saturday. The Prime Minister noted that the completion of the Cox’s Bazar international airport would facilitate better communication with Thailand. She also stressed the importance of leveraging the country’s maritime boundary for the Blue Economy. “With the maritime boundary established, we have immense opportunities. Thai investors can form joint ventures with local investors to utilize their expertise here,” she said. Dr. Nalinee mentioned that they are exploring opportunities in energy, logistics, food processing, seafood, and tourism sectors in Bangladesh. “They are actively searching for partners here, and they are working towards that,” said the PM’s Press Secretary. 13-member delegation in India to explore transhipment potential at East Coast ports The Thai delegation also expressed interest in the halal food processing industry, noting that they have thousands of halal food products and see an excellent opportunity for collaboration with Bangladesh to capture both global and national markets. “There is an extraordinary opportunity for Bangladesh to collaborate in this sector and grab global and national markets,” added Nayeemul Islam Khan. PM’s advisor Salman Fazlur Rahman and Ambassador-at-Large M Ziauddin were also present at the meeting.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday expressed deep concern and condemnation over the attack on former US President Donald Trump. “We have deep concerns over the attack, and we condemn it,” he said while addressing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The minister emphasized that the government’s position on political violence is unequivocal, saying, “We never want violence in politics. When people are burned to death, vehicles and properties are destroyed, it is unacceptable and against the law.” Myanmar sounds positive in taking back Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM Hasan He remarked that there was no such violence in the US. Earlier, US President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting incident at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania. “I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,’ Biden said. Officials say man who opened fire at Trump rally was a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania “Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” Biden added.

Dr Nalinee Taveesin, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand, is now visiting Bangladesh as part of her four-day official visit. The adviser, at the rank of minister, is also a Thai trade representative. She arrived in Dhaka on Saturday and is leading a Thai business delegation. Rahat Bin Zaman, Director General - South East Asia, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received her at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Dr. Nalinee holds pivotal roles in addressing marine fisheries issues and promoting economic development. She plays key roles in international forums.

A delegation encompassing policymaking positions relating to the food administration, that requires cross-sector representation, completed a visit to Indonesia, to study first hand the experience of a friendly nation with a similarly large Muslim population, in ensuring food safety through administration. Cabinet secretary MD Mahbub Hussain led the delegation, with the ultimate aim of strengthening the food safety administration system of Bangladesh. The aim of the 'exposure visit' was to observe the workings of the Indonesian food safety administration system and management at the central and local levels, and study its streamlined, single food safety licensing system. The participants during the July 7-12 visit observed the role of government in promoting the agro-processing for domestic market and exportation, identifying the bottleneck in the current complicated food safety administration system in Bangladesh. In Jakarta, the delegation visited Food and Drug Authority of Indonesia (BPOM) on 8th July and top management of BPOM welcomed the delegation to its head office.  After presentations by BPOM, Prof. Dedi Fardiaz, IPB University, explained about the history of the single food licensing system in Indonesia, reflecting laws and regulations. The delegation also visited BPOM reference laboratory and there was a discussion on establishment of lab and testing system. In East Jakarta, the delegation visited BPOM Provincial office and provincial laboratory on 9th July. On the same day the delegation visited PT Indofood, which is the largest food processing company in Indonesia with annual turnover touching almost $7 billion in 2023. On 10th July the delegation participated in a meeting with food business operators in Jakarta. Cabinet secretary  MD Mahbub Hossainsaid that they had observed the detail food safety administration system in Indonesia and it is really great experience on how Indonesia is implementing food safety system by avoidance of duplication through inter-agency coordination. Mahbub Hossain also mentioned that Bangladesh should take proper initiative to streamline current complicated food safety administration system in Bangladesh, design a roadmap for demarcating clear roles and responsibilities of food control agencies to avoid duplication through better coordination and support food industries in Bangladesh for ensuring safe food in domestic and international market. Among others, Ex-Principal Secretary  Nojibur Rahman, Food Secretary Mr. Md. Ismiel Hossain, Director General of BSTI, Director General of DNCRP, Chairman of BFSA, FBCCI Senior Vice President, Joint Secretary from Cabinet Division, Project Direct and Secretary of BFSA, Director of Prime Minister Office are part of the delegation visiting Indonesia. 

The 45th Board of Governors' Meeting (BoG45) of Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF) concluded on Saturday at the Indonesian beach city Bali pledging commitment by the Board of Governors to support ASEF's initiatives for reinvigorating partnership between continent Asia and Europe. The ASEF BoG45 is chaired by the Governor of Bangladesh to ASEF Md Rais Hasan Sarower, who was unanimously elected as Chair of ASEF Board of Governors (2024) last year during the 44th BOGs held in Barcelona, Spain. During the BOGs meeting the Governors elected the candidate from Poland Ambassador Beata Stoczynska as the next Executive Director of ASEF and the candidate from China Zhang Lei as the Deputy Executive Director and the Vice Chair from European Union. The new management will lead the organization for the next four years with a focus on reshaping the relations between Europe and Asia through undertaking a good number of projects and implementing 3-year Strategy of ASEF (July 2023 - June 2026). BIMSTEC: Modi discusses further strengthening regional cooperation in diverse areas The BOGs meeting was preceded by the Nominating Committee meeting, Finance and Audit Committee meeting, and the Executive Committee meeting. Asia Europe Foundation, an intergovernmental non-profit organization, was established in 1997. At present, under the ASEF platform, 31 European countries, 20 Asian countries, and 2 regional organisations (the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat) are working together. ASEF runs a number of projects covering seven broad themes: environment, arts and culture, human rights and governance, economy, public health, education, and intercommunal dialogue. Bangladesh became a member of ASEF in 2012 and has been contributing meaningfully over the years for the growth of this organization. This year, a project namely ‘Strengthening Preparedness and Response to the COVID-19 and Other Emerging Infections Diseases’ funded by Government of Japan through Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and supported by Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was launched in Bangladesh. The 46th ASEFBOG meeting is scheduled to be held from 26-27 June 2025 in Kraków, Poland, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The initiative of community clinics is a very effective approach to achieving universal health coverage, Bangladesh ambassador to Myanmar Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain said on Friday. “The Sheikh Hasina Initiative, recognized by the United Nations, is a greatly effective approach to achieving universal health coverage,” he said at a seminar in Yangon. The ambassador was speaking as the keynote speaker in the seminar titled ‘Community Based Healthcare: road to achieve universal health coverage’ at the University of Public Health in Yangon. The seminar was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and the University of Public Health.    Dr Hossain, in his speech, highlighted the significant progress that Bangladesh has made, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in improving the health status of its population through a pluralistic health system and community clinic initiatives. He said these efforts, coupled with improvements in the social determinants of health, have resulted in a notable progress in various health parameters, surpassing neighbouring countries and many other developing nations. The community clinic approach has benefited the marginalized individuals in rural areas of Bangladesh taking care of the maternal and child health care, disease screening and tests, routine immunization, sexual and reproductive health care, mental health support, and referrals to higher-level facilities when necessary, he added. The Ambassador mentioned that the success of community clinics in Bangladesh has gained worldwide recognition through the unanimous adoption of the resolution titled “Community-Based Primary Health Care: A Participatory and Inclusive Approach to Achieving Universal Health Coverage” on May 16, 2023 by the 193 member states of the United Nations. Rector, Professors, public health experts, health professionals, students of the University of Public Health and embassy officials attended the seminar, said a press release.