United News of Bangladesh

Marking the 104th birthday of Dhaka University, the US Embassy in Dhaka has said they have together empowered countless students and fueled community growth. “Happy 104th birthday to Dhaka University! Here's to many more years of innovating, learning, and achieving success together!,” said the Embassy in a message shared on its verified Facebook page on Monday. The US Embassy Dhaka said they are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone. “We honor our close partnership with Dhaka University, an outstanding institution that has been a beacon of academic excellence and a pillar of progress in Bangladesh for more than a century.” Together, the Embassy said, they have welcomed 25 Fulbrighters to Bangladesh. There are more than 100 US government exchange alumni at Dhaka University. “We have worked to create an English Language Writing Center and bring speakers and performers to campus, from renowned Bangladeshi American artists to musicians from the United States Air Force,” said the Embassy.

Expressing solidarity with the victims of Holey Artisan Bakery attack and their families, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Monday said the government of Bangladesh has remained steadfast in its commitment to work towards a “peaceful” Bangladesh for all, especially for the foreign friends. “We reaffirm our government’s commitment to work together with the people and the governments of Italy, Japan, India and the USA as well the world community to fight this menace,” he said while paying tribute to the victims of July 1, 2016 terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery together with the envoys of India, the United States, Japan and Italy. Speaking at a commemorative event at the residence of Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Momen said Bangladesh has already employed several hard and soft approaches, including intelligence-led operation, continuous surveillance on suspected terrorists and arresting or detaining them to deal with the threat of violent extremism, as well as seeking to address the process of radicalization along with community engagement. Director General for Italian Citizens Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Vignali, representing the Italian government, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori also paid tribute to the victims of Holey Artisan attack through the deposition of floral wreaths.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from July 1-3, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. During the visit, the Foreign Minister will be leading Bangladesh delegation for the second round of Political Consultations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia which is scheduled to take place on Monday. Foreign Minister Hasan is expected to discuss with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on wide ranging issues of regional and global development and of bilateral, economic, manpower and energy partnership, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is expected to exchange views with the members of diaspora in this visit. This consultation will also be attended by Salman F. Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Private Industry and Investment, Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral-East and West) and Inspector General of Missions, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Director Generals of Foreign Minister’s Office and West Asia Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others.  The MoFA said this visit will provide an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of partnership between Bangladesh and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh Navy has signed a contract for ‘Made in India’ 800 ton-Ocean Going Tug with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers. The signing, held on Sunday, coincides with the visit of India’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Bangladesh. It is a new milestone in India’s defence Line of Credit to Bangladesh, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka in a message through its verified social media handle. Two countries appreciate their significant role in ensuring peace, stability, and harmony in the region. During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit to India, two countries agreed to strengthen their defence cooperation with a long-term perspective. In line with the plans for modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, the two countries will explore defence industrial cooperation for modernization of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh to strengthen their capability for defence. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi will pay a four-day official visit from July 1-4, aiming to consolidate bilateral defence relations between Bangladesh and India and to explore new avenues for Naval cooperation. The visit of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy will further "strengthen the strong bonds of friendship" between the navies of both countries, said the Indian Ministry of Defence on Sunday. The CNS is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy in Dhaka, as also review the passing out parade scheduled at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Chattogram on July 4. During the visit, the CNS would also hold bilateral discussions with General Waker-Uz-Zaman (Chief of the Army Staff, Bangladesh Army), Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan (Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force), Lt Gen Mizanur Rahman Shameem (Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division) and senior leadership of the Bangladesh Government. The CNS would also address participants at the National Defence College, Dhaka and visit a few key defence facilities. Naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been traditionally strong, encompassing a wide span, which includes operational interactions through port calls, bilateral naval exercises, along with capacity building, capability enhancement and training initiatives.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has emphasized the pivotal role of diplomacy in maintaining global peace and security. He underscored the importance of seamless cooperation between the Bangladesh Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in achieving strategic national objectives. Trade talks with USTR delegation 'comprehensive': Foreign Secretary Momen lauded the commitment of the Armed Forces to excellence in professional education and extended his appreciation for their dedication to the nation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomed a distinguished delegation of participants of the Armed Forces War Course 2024 (AFWC 2024) from the National Defence College (NDC) on Sunday. The visit marked a significant step towards fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between the realms of diplomacy and national security. Led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, the program offered a platform for an exchange of insights and perspectives between the diplomatic and defense communities. Foreign Secretary requests Estonia to consider expanding scholarship for Bangladeshi students Dr Md. Nazrul Islam, Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral) and Inspector General of Missions, delivered a keynote presentation, further enriching the discourse. Dr Nazrul delved into the intricate facets of diplomacy and security, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between these critical domains. His keynote presentation resonated with the audience, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing contemporary security challenges while preserving diplomatic endeavors. Before that Director General (Administration) D.M. Salah Uddin Mahmud welcomed the delegates at the ministry. The engagement also witnessed a distinguished guest, Lt Col Md Mamun Muntasir Haque, psc, Inf of AFWC 2024, who expressed his gratitude on behalf of the participants for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' gracious arrangement of the insightful program. He commended the Ministry's dedication to promoting greater understanding and cooperation between military and diplomatic circles. Sharing best practices to be key to strengthening Bangladesh-ASEAN relations: Foreign Secretary The visit concluded with a vibrant exchange of ideas in the questions and answers session, underlining the mutual commitment to fostering enduring ties between the Armed Forces War Course participants and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the event served as a testament to the shared vision of safeguarding national security and interests through a harmonious integration of diplomatic and security efforts.

Thanking the Greece authorities for easing up the visa issuance process through VFS and online interviews, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Sunday suggested for early establishing Greece’s resident diplomatic mission in Dhaka and sending consular team from New Delhi periodically to Dhaka as well. The Foreign Secretary underlined the need for promotion of trade between the two countries through regular exchange of business delegations. Meloni's meeting with PM boosted ties, Italian foreign affairs official says He reiterated Bangladesh’s zero tolerance against irregular migration. The Foreign Secretary requested for continued humanitarian and political support of the international community for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.       The issues were discussed when new Ambassador-designate of Greece to Bangladesh (with residence in New Delhi) Aliki Koutsomitopoulou met the Foreign Secretary at his office. Japanese vice-minister for foreign affairs visits Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital site The Foreign Secretary welcomed the Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh and assured of all-out support of the Bangladesh government during her tenure in discharge of her responsibilities as the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Bangladesh. The Ambassador-designate of Greece expressed her government’s interest to enhance cultural relations between the two countries and educational exchanges, especially with the University of Dhaka. She appreciated collaboration under the MoU between Bangladesh and Greece on migration and mobility, and informed about the need for skilled human resources in agriculture, tourism, construction, IT and other service sectors of Greece. She also suggested arranging joint awareness programmes to curb irregular migration from Bangladesh and promote legal pathways for skilled migration.   Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Hasan Mahmud in Kampala Both sides agreed to hold the next round of bilateral political consultations at an early date and exchanged views on collaboration in multilateral fora, and regional issues of mutual interest.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of India, will pay a four-day official visit from July 1-4, aiming to consolidate bilateral defence relations between Bangladesh and India and to explore new avenues for Naval cooperation. The visit of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy will further "strengthen the strong bonds of friendship" between the navies of both countries, said the Indian Ministry of Defence on Sunday. The Indian Navy chief is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy in Dhaka, as also review the passing out parade scheduled at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Chattogram on July 4. During the visit, he would also hold bilateral discussions with General Waker-Uz-Zaman (Chief of the Army Staff, Bangladesh Army), Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan (Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force), Lt Gen Mizanur Rahman Shameem (Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division) and senior leadership of the Bangladesh Government. The Indian Navy Chief would also address participants at the National Defence College, Dhaka and visit a few key defence facilities. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi assumed command as the 26th Chief of Naval Staff on April 30 this year. Prior to this appointment, he was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. Naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been traditionally strong, encompassing a wide span, which includes operational interactions through port calls, bilateral naval exercises, along with capacity building, capability enhancement and training initiatives.      

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud today said that Bangladesh will discuss financial sector cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), focusing on attracting deposits from Saudi companies into offshore banking accounts. “If they want to invest in the financial sector, it will be discussed. They keep their money in the USA and Europe. Bangladesh has opened a window. Any foreign company and foreign individual can keep their money in Bangladesh’s offshore accounts. This issue, among others, will be discussed,” he said. The foreign minister made the remarks while responding to a question as he is scheduled to attend the second political consultations with the Saudi side in Riyadh tomorrow. Dhaka-Riyadh Political Consultations: Trade, investment, Crown Prince’s visit likely to feature prominently Foreign Minister Hasan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will lead the Bangladesh and Saudi delegations respectively at the high-level meeting that will be held at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Offshore banking is increasingly becoming a key window for banks in Bangladesh to facilitate investments and international trade by attracting deposits in foreign currencies, and deposits of offshore banking will be a major source for US dollars. “We have opened a new window. We want to make it popular,” the minister said, adding that there are countries where such deposits are made by foreign companies and individuals.  In March this year, the Offshore Banking Act, 2024 was passed in the Parliament as part of a stated objective to enhance the country’s reserves of foreign currency and attract foreign investment. The Bangladesh Bank has relaxed rules and policies to allow both Bangladeshis and foreign nationals to avail the service. Outgoing Swedish Ambassador advocates for green-tech collaboration to enhance Bangladesh's development Responding to a separate question, the foreign minister said the size of the national budget has been increased by 12 times since 2009 while the budget implementation rate is around 92-96 percent. He said a section of people always describe the budget as “ambitious” and impossible to implement, though reality shows the opposite with a higher implementation rate.  Hasan said the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has significantly reduced foreign dependency which was around 50 percent during BNP’s tenure. “Today, it is 15 to 20 percent only.” He said Bangladesh is now in a position to say no to foreign loans but sometimes it needs to take loans for a number of reasons. The foreign minister said Bangladesh is a partner country of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions which have certain allocations for Bangladesh as a member country. “Bangladesh’s development is now appreciated globally.”

Acting High Commissioner of Australia to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson has said the strong ties and connections between the two nations are deeply rooted in a shared commitment to education. She said they greatly appreciate the Bangladesh government’s forward-thinking decision to welcome international education. “And it is wonderful to witness the process accelerate through a commendable organization like Universal College Bangladesh. Congratulations to the graduates, I am confident that they will ensure a brighter future for Bangladesh and strengthen the partnership between Bangladesh and Australia,” the Australian envoy said while celebrating Monash College Graduation Convocation 2024 in Dhaka. Universal College Bangladesh (UCB), the exclusive partner to Monash College in Bangladesh, celebrated the Monash College Graduation Convocation 2024, on Saturday evening, according to a press release. A total 103 students pursuing different programmes offered by Monash College, namely, Monash University Foundation Year and Monash College Diploma (Business, Information Technology and Engineering), graduated on this day. This is the 3rd batch graduating from Monash University Foundation Year and Monash College Diploma through Universal College Bangladesh (UCB). At the graduation event, Manas Singh, CEO, of STS Group, and Zarif Munir, Director, UCB, as well as students, parents, teachers, and other esteemed guests were present. The event began with a welcome note from Prof. Hew Gill, President and Provost at UCB, followed by a board commendation speech by Zarif Munir, Director and Member of the Board of UCB. The event moved forward with an occasional address by Matthew Carter, Executive Director of Education, Monash College Australia. The graduating students were presented by Prof. Md Ismail Hossain, Dean of Academic Affairs at UCB who completed his doctorate at Monash University Australia.  All the students were awarded Monash University Foundation Year and Monash College Diploma certificates at the Convocation. Seven students received awards for outstanding academic performance, including one student who achieved world topping scores in two IT exams. A total of 20 Students were also recognized for their community contributions, including serving as members of the UCB Student Council, and involvement in charity projects for the needy. Zarif Munir, Director, UCB, said, “Witnessing the graduation of these talented students fills me with immense pride. Through our partnership with Monash College at Universal College Bangladesh, we are providing the youth of Bangladesh with a world-class educational pathway to unlock their full potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and the nation”. “Our Monash programs offer a guaranteed pathway to a world top 40 university for every student who passes, and all our students pass. I am honored to have played a role in our students’ academic journey”, said Professor Hew Gill, President and Provost, UCB. UCB, the country's first Ministry of Education-approved international education provider, recognises the growing need for quality education and its impact on building a highly skilled workforce for the future of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will hold the second political consultations in Riyadh on July 1 which is likely to highlight issues related to trade, investment, Bangladeshi migrants, Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interests, officials said on Sunday (June 30, 2024). Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will lead the Bangladesh and Saudi delegations respectively at the high-level meeting that will be held at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Issues related to education, health, environment and climate change, ICT and tourism are also likely to be discussed in the meeting. FM Hasan is scheduled to reach Riyadh early Monday on a two-day official visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The foreign minister is scheduled to return home on July 3. Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Sheikh Salman F Rahman will be part of the delegation as investment issues may come up in a big way. Additional Foreign Secretary (bilateral East and West)  Md Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwary, Director General of West Asia Wing Shafiqur Rahman and Director Nafisa Monsur will accompany the foreign minister as part of Bangladesh delegation members. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh later this year. This would be a landmark event in the history of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia leading to the consolidation of ties, especially in trade and commerce, investment and economic cooperation, according to official on both sides. The Saudi crown prince has accepted the invitation extended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit the country this year, and both sides may discuss the issue further for finalization of details, a Bangladesh official told UNB speaking on condition of anonymity. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister It would be the first ever visit of any Saudi crown prince to Bangladesh after 1985 when the then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz visited Dhaka. A good number of bilateral instruments -- MoUs and agreements – are likely to be signed during the visit of the Saudi leader, which would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries significantly, both sides hope. The first ever political consultations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia were held on March 16, 2022 in Dhaka. At the meeting, both the leaders reaffirmed the bond of enduring ties and friendship existing between the two brotherly countries and expressed satisfaction over the state of bilateral cooperation. They noted the understanding and goodwill existing at the political level between the two countries and emphasised the need for devising means and ways to translate this into concrete outcomes. Both sides further stressed the need to coordinate and work together at functional levels to carry forward the policy decision for mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.  Several Saudi companies have already invested in some sectors in Bangladesh and some other companies are considering greater engagement in various areas. Bangladeshi immigration emerges as UK election issue after Labour leader’s comments spark outrage The envoy said about 2.8 million Bangladeshis working in Saudi Arabia are also making significant contributions to Saudi and Bangladesh economies. In May this year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) wanted to know the progress of efforts in renewing the passports of the Rohingyas who went to the KSA back in 1973-74 with Bangladeshi passports. Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud discussed the issue with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan during a bilateral meeting at that time. Read more: Saudi Crown Prince exchanges greetings with Hasan Mahmud