United News of Bangladesh

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said India will continue to seek a “stable, positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh in which the people of both countries are the main stakeholders.  Speaking on Bangladesh-India relations during the Bay of Bengal Conversation, he stressed that India takes a long-term view of its relations with Bangladesh. Highlighting the importance of India-Bangladesh relations, the High Commissioner said India believes that the “peace, security, progress and prosperity” of the two countries are interlinked. He underlined the continued progress in trade, transport and energy connectivity and people-to-people engagements as a reflection of multifaceted ties, in which the “reality of our interdependence and mutual benefit will keep reasserting itself, regardless of political changes.” Nazrul's works are a shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh, India: Pranay Verma The High Commissioner cited the launch of 40MW power transmissions from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid, and the augmentation of infrastructure at the Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post, both within this month itself, as examples of continued progress in bilateral exchanges. The envoy also described India-Bangladesh cooperation as an anchor for regional integration envisaged under architectures such as Bimstec. The High Commissioner expressed India’s commitment to working together with the government and people of Bangladesh to fulfill their shared aspirations for peace, security and development and to ensure that our partnership continues to bring benefit to the common people on both sides. The Centre for Governance Studies is hosting the three-day event in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday conveyed to UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West that the reform initiatives are aimed at ensuring “free and fair" elections in the country and to break away from the "rampant vote rigging" practiced by the previous regime. During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, Prof Yunus described his government's reform initiatives to fix the country's key institutions and the election commission. Minister West backed the reforms, saying Britain would like to see vibrant debates on the key aspects of electoral, judiciary and constitutional reforms. "Debates are very important." Dhaka seeks stronger cooperation with London for tracing, return of "stolen" wealth She said her government would extend “full support” to Bangladesh, including in its efforts to bring back billions of dollars of laundered money, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. "It is important to let you know that you've got our support," Catherine West said. The British minister said the United Kingdom would also extend its support to Dhaka's efforts to bring back tens of billions of dollars siphoned off abroad during Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year-long rule. Yunus thanked her, saying that returning money laundered by corrupt politicians, oligarchs and bureaucrats is a top priority of the interim government. He quoted a recent Transparency International Bangladesh report, saying that annually more than 12 billion dollars were siphoned off abroad. UK expects Prof Yunus to lay out his vision: Catherine West The minister announced £10.3 million of UK grant support to provide essential services and assistance to the Rohingya refugees, the host communities and those affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus reiterated his call for a "UN-overseen safe zone" for communities in Myanmar's violence-plagued Rakhine so that they don't have to flee across the border to Bangladesh and charities and aid groups can take food and assistance at the doorsteps of the displaced people. During the meeting, they also discussed geopolitical issues, minority rights, ties with South Asian neighbours, and Bangladesh's recent 40 megawatt energy deal with Nepal. Yunus said his government has fully backed the creation of a South Asia electricity grid to bring power from hydroelectricity-rich Nepal and Bhutan. Rohingya Crisis: "No light at the end of the tunnel yet" He said Bangladesh can ease off its reliance on fossil fuels if it can import renewable energy from the two Himalayan countries. He said Bangladesh needs collaboration with India to this effect. During the meeting, Sarah Cook, the British High Commissioner to Dhaka, said a UK medical team arrived in the country this month to treat students and other demonstrators who were critically injured during the July-August mass uprising. "They are conducting three surgeries a day," she said.

Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka Megan Bouldin on Sunday said women have a critical role to play in Bangladesh's economic development. She congratulated the remarkable women who completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme this year. "You are paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs and proving that women have a critical role to play in Bangladesh's economic development," said Bouldin. The US Embassy, Dhaka, in partnership with BRAC University's Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), celebrated 90 aspiring women entrepreneurs on their completion of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program at the university’s campus in Badda on Sunday.  "The AWE programme is not just about entrepreneurship—it's about economic empowerment," said Bouldin. "When women succeed in business, their families, communities, and economies thrive."  Bouldin also announced an additional $30,000 grant to fund a business pitch competition among 140 participants from all AWE cohorts.  "We are thrilled to announce this funding, which will allow women from all cohorts to compete for multiple $5,000 awards to support their entrepreneurial ventures," she added.   Bouldin presided over the event, reaffirming the US government's commitment to women’s economic empowerment and fostering economic growth that is both gender-inclusive economic growth and provides opportunities to religious and other minorities across the country.  Bangladesh's people deserve 'peaceful future, accountability': British Minister  

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday raised concerns over the illicit flow of Bangladesh’s stolen wealth abroad, urging greater efforts to address the issue of asset recovery. He called for stronger cooperation with the UK to trace and return these assets to Bangladesh, a matter that remains high on the government’s agenda. The issue was discussed when Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific of the United Kingdom Catherine West met the Foreign Adviser at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister West assured the Foreign Adviser of all possible cooperation in this regard, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discussed major bilateral issues, ranging from the priorities of British and Bangladesh governments. The Foreign Adviser thanked the UK government for its continued support to Bangladesh’s interim government, acknowledging the UK’s role in ensuring political stability and democratic progress. Hossain emphasized that the interim government of Bangladesh is a reflection of the aspirations of the people, particularly the nation’s youth, and sought support from the UK for the reform initiatives of the Bangladesh Government. Under-Secretary West conveyed the warm greetings of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and underscored the UK Government’s priorities on different areas including migration, maritime cooperation and cyber security. Adviser Hossain sought the international community’s support for the Rohingyas and said the only solution to this crisis lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. Under-Secretary West reiterated the UK’s strong position to resolve the Rohingya crisis and stressed on the importance of continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas. With regard to the point-based Immigration System, the Foreign Adviser called for the arrangement of mutual recognition of qualifications. Both sides committed to carry forward the robust cooperation and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. British Minister West is scheduled to leave Dhaka today.  

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West on Sunday said the United Kingdom expects Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to layout his vision for how all things will unfold as the government is committed to promoting national reconciliation. After her meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said the UK will seek to support the people of Bangladesh as they move forward in the next phase. A journalist wanted to know whether there will be a level playing field for all political parties in the changed political scenario. In reply she said, "Of course, and we expect Prof Yunus to lay out his vision for how all that will unfold." West said they know that the interim government in Bangladesh has committed to restoring peace and order, ensuring accountability and promoting national reconciliation, and it has the full support of the UK government in these objectives. Responding to a question on BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman's return, the British minister said they did not discuss individual cases but they want to support the government because it is in the period of transition. "We want to support the interim government in all the works that it is doing," she said. 
 "We know that there are very strong people to people ties between Bangladesh and the UK," the UK minister said. During her meeting with the foreign affairs adviser, she welcomed the interim government's determination to build a better democratic future for the people of Bangladesh. "We have a very strong, steadfast friendship with the people of Bangladesh, we want to build the strong partnerships and build on that important building block of the strong ties and also with moving towards that democratic future," West said. Read: UK backs Bangladesh’s democratic recovery; Minister Catherine West to meet Chief Adviser Yunus Fom economics and trade to security, migration and climate change, she said there is so much that they do together that they must continue to work on. The UK minister, who arrived here on Saturday, said the people of Bangladesh deserve a pathway to a "peaceful future and accountability" after a turbulent few months. "I am here to discuss how the UK can best support the work of the interim government to stabilise its economy and move towards a peaceful and democratic future," she said. Regarding the Rohingya issue, she said they are pleased that they have been able to announce another 10 million pounds so that there can be more building of appropriate shelter for the refugees and ensure that there is proper food, medical supplies and education for the children. Her visit marks the first UK ministerial visit to the country since the formation of the interim government in August. She discussed her country's ongoing support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and UK-Bangladesh migration. The British minister said Bangladesh and the UK share a unique and historic partnership, cemented by people-to-people ties and shared commonwealth values. The visit also includes meetings with political and business leaders and civil society. Catherine West said, "The UK supports the interim government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the Bangladeshi people." British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, "I am delighted to welcome UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh." Read more: Britain keen to invest in Bangladesh’s youth education: UK Deputy High Commissioner This visit will deepen and broaden the UK’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh, said the high commissioner. “Bangladesh is currently undergoing a transformation, and as a longstanding friend, the UK will assist in the economic and political reforms which will help Bangladesh to continue its social and economic growth as it moves towards an inclusive and democratic future.” The UK’s support following this has included the deployment of a specialised medical team to care for some of those more critically wounded during protests over the summer. Rohingya refugees and the communities which host them in Bangladesh will receive essential assistance and services through new UK funding. Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive UK funded assistance. Since the establishment of the interim government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for interim government’s work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh. The UK minister will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic recovery, and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to create strong ties and boost mutually beneficial trade and investment. The recently announced UK funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees for a three-month period. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, primary healthcare, protection services and shelter materials. It will also provide assistance to those impacted by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West, who arrived here on Saturday, said the people of Bangladesh deserve a pathway to a "peaceful future and accountability" after a turbulent few months. "I am here to discuss how the UK can best support the work of the interim government to stabilise its economy and move towards a peaceful and democratic future," she said. UK backs Bangladesh’s democratic recovery; Minister Catherine West to meet Chief Adviser Yunus The UK Minister will meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday, marking the first UK ministerial visit to the country since the formation of the interim government. She will discuss her country's ongoing support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and UK-Bangladesh migration. The British Minister said Bangladesh and the UK share a unique and historic partnership, cemented by people-to-people ties and shared commonwealth values. The visit also includes meetings with political and business leaders and civil society. Minister Catherine West said, "The UK supports the interim government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the Bangladeshi people." She will announce new UK funding to support Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities which host them with essential services and assistance. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, "I am delighted to welcome UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh." This visit will deepen and broaden the UK’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh, said the High Commissioner. “Bangladesh is currently undergoing a transformation, and as a longstanding friend, the UK will assist in the economic and political reforms which will help Bangladesh continue its social and economic growth as it moves towards an inclusive and democratic future.” Protests over the summer saw the shocking loss of lives and injuries. The UK’s support following this has included the deployment of a specialised medical team to care for some of those more critically wounded during protests over the summer. Rohingya refugees and the communities which host them in Bangladesh will receive essential assistance and services through new UK funding. Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive UK funded assistance.Since the establishment of the interim government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for interim government’s work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh. The UK Minister will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic recovery, and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to create strong ties and boost mutually beneficial trade and investment. The recently announced UK funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees for a three-month period. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, primary healthcare, protection services and shelter materials. It will also provide assistance to those impacted by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.

Dhaka, Nov 16 (UNB) - Explaining briefly why India and China are not coming forward in an expected way to help resolve the Rohingya crisis, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said there is a potential threat not just for Bangladesh, but the region and beyond. "There is no light at the end of the tunnel and I don't think it (Rohingya issue) is going to be resolved very quickly and easily," he said, adding that each country has its own interest and Bangladesh has become a victim of circumstances.  The Adviser was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Bay of Bengal Conversation at a hotel in Dhaka.  Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus delivered inaugural speech at the event.  Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.  Talking about India and China's role, Hossain said he is not blaming anyone as everyone looks after their own interest.  But that does not seem to tag with Bangladesh’s interest on the Rohingya issue and for which the issue has been lingering, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel, said the Adviser.  Unless this issue is resolved, it is going to become an issue for the rest of the world, he said. Hossain said Bangladesh has not received the expected level of support from its major neighbouring countries regarding resolving the Rohingya crisis. "During the last eight years, the amount of or the level of support that we expected from our neighbours, big neighbours, has not been forthcoming," he said. Hossain said the question comes, why China has not forthcoming in resolving the issue on the side of Bangladesh?  Because, he said, Myanmar remains very important for China access to the Bay of Bengal.  Similarly, the Adviser said, India thinks that the Kaladan project is important, and for this project, it has to keep good relations with Myanmar. He said Bangladesh has been caught in the crosshairs of competing geopolitical interests. Regarding growing concerns over the future of the Rohingya youth, Hossain said the young generations who have no hopes for the future are not likely to sit idle and watch what others do.  "There will be a point in time they will become a serious problem not only for Bangladesh but also for our neighbours and people from far away," he said. The Adviser said there are three important players - the United States, India and China - in the Bay of Bengal apart of Bangladesh and there is an issue of dominance.  He said the Bay of Bengal is extremely important for Bangladesh due to the access it offers to the rest of the world and for its resources.  The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) is hosting  the 3rd edition of the Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2024, an international geopolitical conference. Chair of CGS Munira Khan and Executive Director of CGS Zillur Rahman also spoke. Zillur said the third edition of the Bay of Bengal Conference is the biggest event to date hosted by CGS. This year’s conference, “A Fractured World,” brings together over 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and an audience of 800 participants hailing from more than 80 countries around the world, he said.  

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, and Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus have jointly launched a "Pope Francis Yunus 3Zero Club" in Rome in an effort to usher in a transformative and inclusive future for humanity. The "3Zero Club" stands as a beacon of hope for the youth in Rome’s marginalised communities, providing a platform to develop innovative ideas and create concrete and sustainable solutions. Conveying his "deepest respects and gratitude," to Pope Francis, Prof Yunus urged all "to embark on this transformative journey together, inspiring the next generation to build a civilisation that honours the dignity of every individual and preserves the sanctity of our planet." Prof Yunus calls for working together amid global challenges, complexities According to the latest counts, there are at least 4,600 Three Zero clubs across the globe, all inspired by Prof Yunus's vision for a new civilisation. Many of the clubs are set up in universities, according to the chief adviser's press wing. In a letter to the Vicar General of Rome, Cardinal Baldo Reina, Prof Yunus said he was "deeply honoured" by the gesture. He extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to Cardinal Reina on the occasion. "This remarkable initiative embodies the shared vision of Pope Francis and my own aspirations for a transformative and inclusive future," the 2006 Nobel Peace laureate said on Saturday. "This initiative not only aims to achieve zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions but also aspires to foster the emergence of a new civilisation—one grounded in compassion, equity, and sustainability," the chief adviser wrote. "A civilisation where not only should no one be left behind, but where each person can also be the protagonist of their destiny, proud to belong to one human family, as the Holy Father has emphasised in recent years," he said. "In his encyclical Fratelli tutti, he writes, “Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth, which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all,” he added. "Inspired by Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to social justice and my belief in the power of social business, the 3Zero Club encourages young minds to envision and implement projects that drive meaningful change," the chief adviser said. "By nurturing their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, we empower these young leaders to become architects of a more just and harmonious society," he said.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to uplifting communities, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing sustainable development. In a powerful call to action at the G20 Social Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, Prof Yunus said no nation can shy away from doing its bit in redeeming shared responsibility.  He emphasized the urgent need for trustworthy institutions and systems to restore faith in eroded structures and to mobilize intellectual, financial, and youth power toward sustainable solutions.  The Chief Adviser delivered a compelling call to action for world leaders to build a "World of Three Zeros"­ a world free of poverty, unemployment, and net carbon emissions.  The inaugural session of the G20 Social Summit commenced today with a special virtual message from Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, followed by a keynote address from Janja Lula, the First Lady of Brazil.  This session marked a significant milestone as Bangladesh became the first country to join the Global Alliance against Poverty and Hunger alongside Brazil - a prestigious achievement for the nation. Professor Yunus's visionary address set an inspiring tone at this high-profile event, themed "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," as he urged decisive action for a fairer, more resilient global future.  Congratulating Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for establishing the G20 Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger, Prof Yunus noted Bangladesh's role as a founding member of this landmark initiative.  This alliance, conceived under Brazil's G20 presidency, aims to unify efforts in addressing global hunger and poverty.    Bangladesh was invited by this year's G20 Presidency Brazil to contribute to three core pillars of this year's G20 deliberations: women's empowerment, climate sustainability, and the global fight against poverty and hunger.  Advocating  for  this  transformative  approach,  he highlighted the importance of adopting a new mindset and lifestyle focused on reduced consumption, which is essential to achieving the vision of a "World of Three Zeros." Prof Yunus ended his remarks by extending an invitation to President Lula to visit Bangladesh, aiming to collaborate on transformative solutions to build a world free from poverty and hunger. M.A. Akmall Hossain Azad, Senior Secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, presented Bangladesh's commitment to integrated maternal and early childhood care as part of the nation's Statement of Commitment to the Alliance.  Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh's Ambassador to Brazil, and Jasim Uddin, Counsellor at the Embassy of Bangladesh, were also in attendance at the event, representing the country at this significant global gathering.   To date, the Global Alliance has grown to 30 founding members, comprising UN member states, UN agencies, and international organizations.    Over 300 participants, including ministers, senior officials, and dignitaries from around the world, attended the G20 Social Summit.    

Speaking at the international geopolitical conference, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said they live in times marked by "challenges and complexities" globally and laid emphasis on working together to address those challenges. "We know that when we come together, when we work as one, we have the power to change the course of history. This convention is about exactly that—the power of unity, the strength of shared purpose," he said while delivering his inaugural speech at the international conference. Prof Yunus laid emphasis on building an economy where fruits of technology and economic growth are shared evenly by all people, not monopolised by the privileged few. "I am always a compulsive optimist. I always believe in the power of ideas, and power of imagination. If we can imagine together it becomes irresistible. Let's do it," he said. Prof Yunus calls for mobilising "intellectual, financial, youth power" for a new civilisation