United News of Bangladesh

The Asian Skill Development Company Ltd today started its journey with a mission to support Bangladeshi students aspiring to work in Japan through providing education in the Japanese language, culture, and manners. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori inaugurated the company as the Chief Guest at a ceremony held at Tropical Maanco Tower on Gulshan Badda Link Road in the capital. BIDA Director General Md. Ariful Hoque, Mamiya-OP Co. Ltd President and CEO Masao Sekiguchi, Honorary Member and Advisor of JBCCI Dr. AKM Moazzem Hussain, and Haison Investor Management and Advisory Services CEO M. Jalalul Hai were also present. In his remarks, Ambassador Kiminori expressed hope that the initiative will greatly benefit Bangladeshi job seekers. He noted that Japanese companies have shown interest in recruiting skilled professionals, technical experts, and construction workers from Bangladesh. The platform aims to create a comprehensive support system for Bangladeshi students seeking to work in Japan where the Mamiya OP Group will provide support through various steps, including language and cultural education, and assistance with skill registration. The Asian Skill Development Company will offer accurate information about Japanese companies, help reduce the financial burden of moving to Japan, and provide ongoing support to Bangladeshi students upon their arrival. The initiative is part of the "Specified Skilled Worker Program" established in 2019, which seeks to foster regional cooperation between local authorities and companies in Japan, creating a supportive environment for Bangladeshi workers. The Asian Skill Development Company’s future plans include introducing a Japanese language teaching system in Bengali to expand access to Japanese language education for more Bangladeshi students.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (July 04, 2024) said that it is solely Bangladesh’s sovereign right to decide on the Teesta project, and that this decision must be respected. “Whatever project regarding the Teesta river is truly on Bangladesh’s side to make a decision. And the decision has to be respected,” he told diplomatic correspondents at a DCAB Talk, responding to a question on the Teesta river that Bangladesh shares with India. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at Jatiya Press Club ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China next week. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke at the event. The Chinese ambassador stated that the visit will outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on regional and international affairs. Ambassador Yao mentioned that China had made its proposal on Teesta following Bangladesh's request and is open to accepting any decision. “We are open. It’s purely on Bangladesh to decide what to do at the next stage.” PM Hasina’s upcoming visit to boost China-Bangladesh cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues, says Ambassador India also expressed interest and announced that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh to discuss the Teesta river conservation and management issues. On June 25, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the government would accept the financing proposal for the Teesta Masterplan Project based on what is most beneficial for the country. “We have undertaken the Teesta project. China and India have given separate proposals (for financing it). We must accept the proposal which will be more beneficial for the people of our country,” she said at a press conference at her official residence, Ganabhaban, regarding the outcome of her recent visit to India. Addressing a separate question, Ambassador Yao emphasized the importance of good relations between Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries. “You know, it is a success of your national foreign policy. So, we want to see good relations. And also, we want our relations to be playing a positive role and be viewed positively by the other countries. So that is a win-win cooperation and will benefit all parties,” he said. He dismissed any notion of tension between India and China regarding this project, stating, “I don't see any tension. We want to see the project start very soon. Since I know almost 30 million people need this project, we just want to see if it can be studied and completed very soon.” Regarding the development of southern Bangladesh, the ambassador mentioned that it is a proposal from the Bangladesh side and that China could play a significant role in aiding this development. “It is a good opportunity for China to get involved in the internal development of Bangladesh and we will have a very active and positive approach to that proposal,” he said. Ambassador Yao also praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in sheltering over 1 million Rohingya refugees. “China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for the repatriation at an early date,” he said. The envoy added that China is ready to support Bangladesh in the multilateral arena, jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting regional and international peace and stability. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as education, media, infrastructure, trade promotion, investment, agricultural imports from Bangladesh, and the digital economy during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit. Ambassador Yao noted that the Bangladesh-China relationship is at its best and is embracing tremendous development opportunities. “Next year, our two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How to further elevate bilateral relations, expand the scope of exchanges, tap the potential for cooperation, and make the relationship between our two countries and peoples better, deeper, and closer is a task that requires joint efforts from both sides,” he said. He emphasized that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China will be a milestone in bilateral relations, building on past achievements and forging ahead. “This visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, promoting new achievements in the strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevating the relationship to a new height,” he said. The envoy highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China is highly anticipated by all. “This visit is expected to take the helm for the growth of the China-Bangladesh relationship for the next five years or even longer.” During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will meet with Chinese leaders, sign a number of cooperation documents, and jointly announce major cooperation achievements. Through this visit, both sides will firmly support each other and further deepen communication at all levels, he mentioned. Read more: Experts highlight Bangladesh’s need for China in its dev journey, strategic gains anticipated from PM Hasina’s upcoming visit

The European Union has transferred a grant of EUR 60.125 million (around Tk 760.58 crore) to the Government of Bangladesh, following its successful implementation of some key ongoing education reforms, in line with the 2010 National Education Policy and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This substantial payment is part of the European Union's broader commitment to support Bangladesh's education system through a budget support operation of EUR 245 million for primary education along with technical and vocational education and training, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said: “I commend the government of Bangladesh for its efforts to enhance its education system, emphasizing its significance within the national and global context.” Stressing on education as the "most powerful tool" to ensure a peaceful society and prevent conflict, Whiteley added: “In the global challenging economic context, the fight against poverty and inequality has become paramount. Progress on climate change, digitalisation and conflict prevention is also becoming more and more important.” For safeguarding values and future development, investment in education should be steadfast and further boosted, commented Whiteley. Through this partnership, the Government of Bangladesh has committed to continue implementing the initiatives critical to improving the delivery of quality education services along with strengthening the institutions for efficient use of resources. Charles Whiteley: Bangladesh’s economic trajectory “undeniably impressive” Thus, even the poorest children and young population of the country will benefit from receiving quality education for employment and decent work. With a view to upgrading the quality of teachers, in fiscal year 2022-2023, the Government of Bangladesh continued to work to increase the number of trained teachers with special emphasis on professional development. In this context, more teachers were trained both in the primary and TVET subsectors. Additionally, focus continued on universal enrolment, in particular, students from the marginalised and vulnerable population. In this context, while more students with disability and from ethnic minority groups were enrolled in TVET, the Government of Bangladesh partnering with NGOs, has successfully brought back a significant number of children (around 8 lakh) to schools who were never enrolled or dropped out. This shows the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring the SDG principle that no one is left behind.  With support from the European Union, the Government of Bangladesh also continued its work towards strengthening data systems for planning, such as HRMIS and a sector performance system in TVET, said the Embassy. Finally, the National Action Plan 2022-2027 for Skills Development in Bangladesh was published in the Bangladesh Gazette to facilitate access to decent jobs and promotion of employment opportunities. The disbursement of this payment comes after a positive decision of the Budget Support Steering Committee of the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships in June 2024.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday (July 04, 2024) said China stands ready to take Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit as an opportunity to further deepen mutual trust between the two countries, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, consolidate traditional friendship, and work together to realize the Chinese Dream of National Rejuvenation and Bangladesh’s Vision 2041. "Our relationship boasts strong vitality, dynamism, and development potential. It enjoys broad support from our two peoples and will continue to maintain robust and sound development momentum," he said. The Ambassador made the remarks at the DCAB Talk held at Jatiya Press Club. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke at the event.  The envoy said China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to achieve more practical results in infrastructure, digital economy, clean energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, culture and people-to-people exchanges, thereby assisting Bangladesh in its modernization process. Through PM Hasina’s upcoming visit, he said, the two sides will further enhance coordination and cooperation on regional and international issues, jointly upholding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. The envoy said China supports Bangladesh’s bid to become a partner country of the BRICS and hopes Bangladesh will be a BRICS member at an early date.  PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister He said China highly appreciates Bangladesh's humanitarian spirit in sheltering more than one million Rohingya refugees. China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for repatriation of the refugees at an early date.  "China stands ready to support Bangladesh in multilateral arena, jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting regional and international peace and stability," Yao said. He said Bangladesh and China share similar values, national dreams, and development paths.  The envoy said China is ready to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence with Bangladesh, consolidate political mutual trust, and make China-Bangladesh relations a model of mutual respect and win-win cooperation among developing countries. Through the PM’s upcoming visit, he said, the two sides will achieve new breakthroughs in pragmatic cooperation, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries.  "It has been proven that China is Bangladesh's most reliable partner and most trustworthy friend," said the Ambassador. On Bangladesh's journey toward modernization, he said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is highly consistent with Vision 2041 and the dream of "Golden Bengal," as well as Bangladesh's national conditions.  "China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner and the second-largest source of foreign investment. China's economic and trade cooperation with Bangladesh comes with no political strings attached nor demands for special privileges. Significant results have been achieved over the past eight years since Bangladesh joined the BRI," he added. Read more: Experts highlight Bangladesh’s need for China in its dev journey, strategic gains anticipated from PM Hasina’s upcoming visit

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) remembered the seven Japanese consultants who lost their lives during the Holey Artisan terrorist attack on July 1, 2016, also known as 'Bangladesh's 9/11'. On this occasion, JICA organised an annual memorial ceremony at Metro Rail Exhibition and Information Center (MEIC), located in the capital’s Uttara area on Wednesday to pay condolences to them. The seven lost Japanese had significantly contributed to the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project. In his ceremonial address, Hara Shohei, senior vice president, JICA, said, “Eight years have passed since the tragic incident. I am filled with the deepest sadness and regret at the loss of all those who dedicated their invaluable time and efforts to the development of Bangladesh. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families who suddenly lost their loved ones, and it is truly heartbreaking to reflect on their grief that can never be truly healed even after eight years since the incident.” During the speech, he also shared JICA’s pledge to never forget their contributions to the project and their legacy, and to ensure utmost safety of those engaged in the operations.

Ambassador Nahida Rahman Shumona, the serving Bangladesh envoy to Brunei Darussalam, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of Bangladesh to Greece. She will succeed Ambassador Ashud Ahmed in this capacity. Shumona is a senior career Foreign Service officer who has served in various diplomatic roles over the past two decades. Prior to her current position, Shumona held the position of Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka, heading the Consular and Welfare Wing and the Regional Organisations Wing. She has also served as Chargé d'Affaires at the Bangladesh Embassy in Brasilia, as well as Counsellor/acting High Commissioner at the Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa. Earlier in her career, she served in Kolkata and Canberra. Ambassador Shumona holds a Master's degree in Diplomacy and International Trade from the Monash University, Australia, and Master's and Honours degrees in English Literature from the University of Dhaka. She also received a fellowship in Transboundary Water Law from the University of Geneva.  

Describing China as a big development partner, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s forthcoming visit to China is very important to expedite Bangladesh’s development. While responding to a question on PM Hasina’s July 8-11 visit, the foreign minister said Bangladesh maintains its foreign policy - friendship to all, malice towards none. Hasan Mahmud reflects on AL's journey of 75 years at seminar held in city He also said Prime Minister Hasina’s state visit to India was also very fruitful where the Rohingya repatriation issue was also discussed apart from important bilateral issues of cooperation. Responding to a separate question, foreign minister and joint general secretary of Awami League said both BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman have been convicted for corruption. And during BNP's rule, he said, the country became a champion of corruption five times. “So talking about corruption by them or talking about Awami League's stand against corruption is the biggest joke.” After attending Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia 'Political Consultations' in Riyadh, he returned home on Wednesday. Lack of unified Muslim Ummah behind misery of Gazans: Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud Hasan faced the journalists after the publication ceremony of the Foreign Service Academy Journal and the inauguration of the Digital Library at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. The foreign minister spoke as the chief guest at the event and inaugurated the Digital Library of the academy. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Rector of the Academy Mashfee Binte Shams and senior officials of the Ministry were present.

Yingming Yang, Vice President (South, Central, and West Asia) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)  has assured the government of his institution's commitment to support Bangladesh’s efforts in various areas through technical assistance, financing, and policy guidance. Yang came up with the assurance when he met the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury at the latter's office at the Secretariat on Wednesday with a view to strengthening climate collaboration. Meeting held between Environment Minister and State Minister for Power on 40% renewable energy use During the meeting, they discussed ongoing and future collaborations between the ADB and the Government of Bangladesh, focusing on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, air and marine pollution control, carbon trading, capacity building, and the blue economy. Both parties emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation in the region. The minister said Bangladesh is committed to building resilience and sustainable development, and ADB’s support plays a crucial role in this endeavour. Canadian High Commissioner calls on Environment Minister Saber Chowdhury "Bangladesh has taken significant strides in environmental protection and climate change adaptation. However, the challenges we face are immense and multifaceted. We need robust financial mechanisms, advanced technologies, and capacity-building initiatives to meet our goals. The collaboration with ADB has been instrumental in providing the necessary resources and expertise to drive our initiatives forward," said the minister. Saber envisioned a strengthened partnership between Bangladesh and the ADB. “Together, we can explore innovative solutions, enhance our adaptive capacities, and ensure that our development trajectory is both green and inclusive,” he said. He reiterated commitment to working hand in hand with the Asian Development Bank. “We value your support and look forward to deepening our collaboration to create a sustainable and resilient Bangladesh,” said the minister. Every citizen should plant trees for quality life:  Environment Minister  The minister expressed his appreciation for ADB's support and highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in achieving Bangladesh’s environmental and climate goals. This meeting underscores the strong partnership between ADB and Bangladesh in their shared mission to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.

The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing $350,000 in humanitarian assistance to help communities in the Sylhet and Sunamganj districts recover from deadly monsoon flooding in June. With this funding, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society will distribute multi-purpose cash assistance in communities that were hit hardest. “The United States has stood by Bangladesh to respond to natural disasters for more than 50 years. Through USAID, we are proud to partner with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and support the communities affected most by this latest tragedy with cash assistance for purchasing food and water, maintaining livelihoods, repairing shelters, and other necessary items,” said U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Wednesday. Severe flooding due to heavy monsoon rainfall in northeastern Bangladesh has displaced nearly 30,000 people to shelter centers, impacting over 2.5 million individuals. In the northeastern region, further heavy rainfall could result in another short-term flood situation in the low-lying areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj where the need for assistance is dire, and worsen conditions, said the US Embassy. Since Bangladesh’s independence, the United States government has invested more than $8 billion to improve the lives of Bangladeshis.  With an annual budget of $200 million in development and another $100 million in humanitarian assistance, USAID programs in Bangladesh expand food security and economic opportunity, improve disaster risk reduction, improve health and education, promote democratic institutions and practices, protect the environment, and increase resilience to climate change.

Speakers at a roundtable discussion on Wednesday highlighted the immense potential to gain from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s forthcoming visit on trade, connectivity and financial cooperation fronts through engaging with China smartly with a view to take Bangladesh's development journey to the next level. They shed light on why Bangladesh needs China in its development journey and how Bangladesh can take advantage of converting geopolitical competition into geopolitical cooperation. There are new avenues that have been opened which came up for discussion including export diversification, discussion on possible free trade agreement (FTA), and Payra-centric comprehensive development initiative. Former state ministers for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Abul Hasan Chowdhury; Nahim Razzak MP, Executive Director of Centre for Alternatives (CA) Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, Prof Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of International Relations, BGMEA Director Shams Mahmud, Dhaka Tribune’s Executive Editor Reaz Ahmad, General Secretary of Jatiya Press Club and daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, OCAB General Secretary Julhas Alam, Prof Rumana Islam, DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib, former DCAB President Raheed Ejaz, among others, were present. Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies (BFRS) hosted the discussion moderated by PM's former Special Assistant Barrister Shah Ali Farhad. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Research Director Dr Mahfuz Kabir presented a paper at the beginning of the discussion while BFRS chairman ASM Shamsul Arefin delivered closing remarks. “Payra (south-west comprehensive development) is going to be our focal point. This proposal will be placed very strongly. We hope this discussion will progress,” said Shahriar Alam.  Regarding duty-free market access, he said the advantage that Bangladesh is getting from China is because of the bilateral relations that the two countries enjoy though it was given maintaining WTO guidelines. He said despite the WTO guidelines, many countries like the USA do not provide duty-free trade benefit. “I have every reason to believe that they (China) will extend that not just beyond 2026; it will be more like Canada which reviews such benefits every 10 years. Canada did its last review in 2023 which will last until 2033. I think similar rules will apply when it comes to China,” Shahriar said. He also said Bangladesh may seek around $5 billion for trade facilitation and there will be efforts to get a positive outcome to that end. Meanwhile, he added, pressure on forex reserves will be reduced if repayment of ongoing projects worth USD 4.5 billion can be delayed through discussion. On the Rohingya issue, Shahriar said he agrees that China must play a stronger role. On workers' issues, he said, China will be inviting foreign workers in the coming years as their population dynamic is changing fast. Shahriar said Bangladesh needs China for its rapid industrialization and noted the significant role that China has played over the last 15 years in socioeconomic development and infrastructure development, especially in the communication sector. “Industrialised Bangladesh needs China,” he said, noting that Bangladesh-China relations have deepened over the last decade. Delivering his opening remarks at a roundtable discussion, Shahriar recalled the historical facts during the Liberation War but recognised China’s contributions over the last one and a half decade.