United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said Bangladesh will soon get back on the track of "normalcy, stability, unity, development and prosperity" through joint efforts by all stakeholders under the Prof Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Till this course, he said, China will extend whatever support requested by Bangladesh. "We see enormous potential for our cooperation. We see lot of cooperation work that we can undertake together," Ambassador Yao told reporters after his meeting with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Monday. The envoy said China will not intervene into internal affairs of any country and whatever happened inside Bangladesh will not affect Dhaka-Beijing relations. "It is an internal affair of Bangladesh. We will respect the decision made by the people of Bangladesh," Ambassador Yao said when a journalist wanted to know his opinion on the interim government's reforms agenda and time frame. He said China is supportive of Bangladesh, its people and the interim government. "It is a very important day," said the envoy, adding that he had a very good, constructive and positive discussion with the Jamaat chief. Yao said Jamaat used to have very good relations with their Chinese counterpart and the embassy in Dhaka. "But it has been affected over the last 13 years," he added. "Now, we believe it is time to restart our dialogue and cooperation. We discussed our future cooperation between parties and between the two countries," he said. The ambassador said Jamaat is supportive of China-Bangladesh relations and wished to see more cooperation and more Chinese investment in Bangladesh. On the Rohingya issue, the ambassador said they are committed to Rohingya repatriation and China has been playing its role consistently. He said they will work together with all stakeholders in Bangladesh including Jamaat for early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. The ambassador said Bangladesh is at historical crossroads at this moment and China is committed to deepening exchanges and cooperation with the interim government, all political parties and people of all walks of life in Bangladesh to consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries. He said China is also committed to promote the continuous development of the Bangladesh-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, so as to bring more benefit to the two countries and the two peoples. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on China-Bangladesh relations, inter-party exchanges and cooperation and other issues of common concern, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. "It's a very good meeting and we are looking forward to more cooperation with Jamaat," the ambassador said. Shafiqur Rahman appreciated China's great contribution to the economic and social development of Bangladesh. He reiterated Jamaat’s firm support for the One-China Principle and is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side.

A senior-level US delegation will soon visit Bangladesh soon to discuss ways with the interim government to take forward the relations between the two countries in a changed political scenario. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed the visit and said the visit will take place within a few days. Any visit by the US delegation is always important, he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. The two countries are in discussion to finalise things regarding the visit. 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. The delegation is likely to be in Dhaka before Prof Yunus's departure for New York to attend the 79th UN General Assembly, a diplomatic source told UNB. US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, 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 may join the US delegation. Responding to a question, Hossain said Lu will stay relatively for a shorter period compared to other team members. 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.

The Republic of Korea has provided the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with USD two million in assistance to strengthen protection and disaster resilience of vulnerable host communities in Cox's Bazar. The one-year project was formalized by H.E. Mr. Park Young-sik, Ambassador of Korea to Bangladesh, and Mr. Abdusattor Esoev, Chief of Mission, IOM Bangladesh on Monday (2 September) afternoon. The project aims to address the existing protection gaps for victims of trafficking (VoTs), survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and other at-risk individuals in the host communities. It will provide comprehensive and integrated protection and prevention services while also enhancing the climate resilience of the host community by improving disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures and emergency response capabilities. Ambassador Park Young-sik expressed his hope that the support from the Government of Korea will significantly improve the living conditions of the host communities through the implementation of the project. “The contribution of USD 2 million from the Republic of Korea will support humanitarian activities for host communities and it demonstrates our commitment to providing humanitarian assistance for host communities as well as the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh” said Ambassador Park Young-sik. Throughout the project implementation, IOM will coordinate the interventions with the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and the District Administration as well as national and local authorities focused on the host community. “Korea has been a vital partner for IOM in the Rohingya Refugee Response, assisting in addressing the significant challenges faced by both Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar,” said Mr. Abdusattor Esoev, Chief of Mission, IOM Bangladesh. “As humanitarian funding for the response continues to decline, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the people and Government of Korea, who have been steadfast in backing IOM’s interventions since the beginning of this crisis.” Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Korea has been a steady supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing USD 10 million to IOM and other UN agencies as humanitarian aid in Bangladesh this year.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) this afternoon at the Home Affairs Adviser’s office in Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka. During the meeting, they discussed various mutual interests, including cooperation between the police forces of both countries, border security, safety of Indian nationals in Bangladesh, and the exchange of information on flood warnings and forecasts. Welcoming the High Commissioner, the Adviser mentioned that reforms are underway in the police and other forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of ongoing efforts. However, these reforms are still in the preliminary stages. Both sides agreed on enhancing border security to reduce border-related incidents to the lowest possible level, with an aim to bring it down to zero. The High Commissioner sought the Adviser’s cooperation in ensuring the safety of Indian students and other nationals residing in Bangladesh. The Adviser assured him of their full protection. The Adviser emphasized that there is no threat to the security of Indian nationals in Bangladesh and the government will ensure their complete safety. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two countries in flood warning and forecasting, to which the High Commissioner responded by promising to provide Bangladesh with the necessary data and support. The High Commissioner also noted that Indian visa services have been resumed on a limited scale at Indian visa centers in Bangladesh, primarily for urgent medical needs and for students intending to pursue their studies in India. The meeting was attended by Indian Embassy officials, including Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Kumar Tulsidas Bade and First Secretary (Political) Gokul V. K., along with senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Pakistan has announced a new visa policy allowing citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to Pakistan without a visa fee, to enhance diplomatic and people-to-people ties. Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmad Maroof, informed about this development to the Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a meeting held today at the Secretariat, according to a press release. During the meeting, the high commissioner highlighted that the new visa policy, which was introduced two weeks ago, aims to simplify travel procedures and promote tourism and business between Pakistan and the included countries. Bangladesh, being one of the 126 nations on the list, stands to benefit from this initiative. Maroof emphasized that this policy is part of Pakistan's broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation with Bangladesh. He also expressed optimism that the travel arrangement without any visa fee would lead to increased interactions in various sectors, including trade, education, and cultural exchanges. In addition to the visa policy, the meeting also covered discussions on resuming direct flights between the two countries, which had been suspended since 2018. The envoy stressed the importance of reinstating these flights to further facilitate travel and business engagements between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The new visa policy is expected to be a major step forward in improving bilateral relations, which have seen a period of relative stagnation over the past 15 years. Both sides agreed on the need to overcome past challenges and work towards a more collaborative future. Senior officials from both countries, including Kamran Dhangal, Counselor of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, and home ministry officials were present at the time.

 Toby Cadman, an international human rights lawyer who was once barred from entering Bangladesh, on Monday met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to discuss the need to establish a domestic tribunal with international support to try people accused of committing crimes against humanity during the student-led revolution. Cadman, extradition specialist and the joint head of the London-based law firm The Guernica 37, said Bangladesh quickly needs to establish an effective domestic legal framework for truth, justice, and accountability that was properly supported by the international community and endorsed by the people of Bangladesh. In presenting a number of proposals to the Chief Adviser, he said they were ready to support Bangladesh in an effort to develop a framework for the extradition of persons involved in crimes against humanity, economic crimes, and political corruption who fled the country with their ill-gotten assets. The Chief Adviser heard his proposals and asked him to make a written submission. He said his government is committed to holding internationally acceptable trials of the people who ordered and carried out the massacre during the student-led revolution. Prof Yunus said one of the top priorities of the Interim Government is to bring back billions of dollars laundered during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year-long autocratic regime.  

Interim Government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi’s support for the “dignified and voluntary” return of more than one million Rohingya people, who live in camps in Bangladesh, to their homeland in Myanmar. Prof Yunus to attend UNGA with 'small, functional' delegation: Foreign Adviser High Commissioner Grandi had a conversation with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus over the phone on Monday to congratulate him on his assumption of the leadership of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. During the call, the UNHCR chief praised the Chief Adviser, saying he has taken up "an incredible task" to rebuild Bangladesh, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The UNHCR chief requested the Chief Adviser to attend a meeting on the Rohingya crisis on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York. Grandi informed the Chief Adviser that he plans to visit Bangladesh in October this year. Govt tasked with carrying out deep reforms, polls after reasonable time: Prof Yunus tells US diplomat The two leaders discussed the Rohingya issue, including about thousands of people who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Prof Yunus also sought assistance from the UN refugee agency for building a better future for Rohingya children who are growing up inside the Bangladesh camps. On August 27, UNHCR welcomed the renewed commitment to the refugees, made by Prof Yunus and they call for continued solidarity from the international community through consistent financial support so that Rohingya refugees can eventually be repatriated to Myanmar, with safety, dignity and full rights. In 2024, humanitarian agencies appealed for $852 million to assist some 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis in surrounding communities. This appeal remains inadequately funded, according to UNHCR. Seven years ago, on 25 August 2017, some 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek protection in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus starts his office from Chief Adviser’s Office The generous support from Bangladesh and the international community has been critical in meeting the refugees’ most basic needs and providing protection, UNHCR said.

The government has decided that Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) Rear Admiral (Retd) Md. Khurshed Alam will carry out routine activities as the Foreign Secretary until further notice. The decision was taken as former Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen handed over his responsibilities, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier, the government cancelled the contractual appointment of Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen. The Public Administration Ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard on Monday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday bid farewell to Masud Bin Momen. His contractual appointment was scheduled to end in December this year, however. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossan and senior officials of the ministry were present at the farewell ceremony.

Interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will lead a “small and functional” delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Monday. “He (CA) wanted a small delegation instead of a big one,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that it would not be more than a week, including his travel time to the United States. The Adviser said the Chief Adviser wants to come back as quickly as possible by completing his tasks there. Hossain said only those with direct responsibilities at the UNGA will accompany the Chief Adviser. However, he noted that the exact dates and duration of the visit have not been finalized yet. On Sunday, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said there might be some meetings on the sidelines, but due to his limited stay in New York, the scope will also be limited. The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) will open on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Tuesday, 24 September 2024. The Summit of the Future takes place on September 22 and 23, 2024. The first of its kind, the Summit will bring together leaders, advocates, and activists of all ages to determine how our international system can better meet the needs of current and future generations. Speaking on the Chief Adviser’s participation at the 79th UNGA, South Asian affairs expert Michael Kugelman earlier said it will be a big opportunity for him to share his government’s economic plans, including what areas specifically the international community can be helpful in strengthening and stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy. “And if he does, he would be speaking in New York on the biggest global platform since he took over the role of adviser leading the interim government,” Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. said in a webinar hosted by Right to Freedom - R2F. Kugelman said there are several things that Prof Yunus could do, several things that he could say. “I think that above all he should lay out a vision for governance, the goals of the interim government, his plans for reforms and his efforts to push for the restoration of democracy.”

Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman GM Quader on Monday called the United Kingdom (UK) a tested friend of Bangladesh. He made the remark while UK High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke paid a court call on him at his Baridhara Residence in the morning, said a media release signed by Khandakar Delowar Jalali, press secretary of the party chairman. GM Quader discussed the county’s current political situation with the UK envoy in a sincere atmosphere and hoped that the country (UK) will stand by Bangladesh like earlier, it reads. Cooke thanked the JaPa chairman for holding the meeting with her. The party’s Presidium Member Masrur Mawla accompanied GM Quader in the meeting, said the release.