United News of Bangladesh

Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has been elected as member of the prestigious International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) in a heavily contested election held on Friday at the UN Headquarters in New York.There were three candidates from Bangladesh, China and the Republic of Korea vying for two vacant seats from the Asia-Pacific region, and the candidates from Bangladesh and China won the election.Ambassador Muhith will serve as a member of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for four years from 2025 to 2028, said a media release on Saturday. Ambassador Muhith elected as Chair of 2nd committee of UNGA“This is the testament to the trust and confidence the UN member states have in Bangladesh 2.0 under the able leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and a recognition of Bangladesh’s active role and contribution to the United Nations," said Ambassador Muhith after being elected.The ICSC is an independent expert body established by the United Nations General Assembly, which is composed of fifteen members. It is the main body mandated to make decisions and recommendations regarding management, compensation, entitlements, etc. of the United Nations’ human resources.A career diplomat, Ambassador Muhith, joined as Bangladesh’s PR to the UN in July 2022.He is currently serving as the Chair of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial Committee) of the UNGA and also as the President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS for 2024.Muhith also served as the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission in 2022, Vice-chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission in 2023, the President of the Executive Board of UN-Women and the Vice-President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

A five-member delegation led by Deputy Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Lt. Gen. Joshua M Rudd paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and explored various areas of cooperation for future progress, according to the ISPR. During this visit, discussions focused on strengthening mutual cooperation between the armed forces of both countries, enhancing professional skills, and collaborating on humanitarian assistance and disaster management (HADR) efforts. Army Chief meets Chief Adviser Additionally, the delegation took part in a briefing on HADR organized by the Army Headquarters, where they explored the challenges and capabilities involved in responding to natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions emphasized disaster preparedness, capacity-building initiatives, and joint efforts for rapid recovery in times of crisis. This visit is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States, fostering closer cooperation to address regional security and humanitarian challenges, ISPR added.

The United States has said they want to see freedom of religion is respected in Bangladesh, and people are held accountable for any attacks. "We have, in our discussions with Bangladeshi officials, made clear that we want to see freedom of religion respected," US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters in a regular media briefing in Washington on November 7. Miller said they want to see people are held accountable in any attack as is appropriate under Bangladeshi law And, he added, it is true of their position in Bangladesh and anywhere in the world. Meanwhile, India has urged the interim government in Bangladesh to take action against extremist elements and the safety of the Hindus. "We, yet again, urge the government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi on Thursday. He said they have observed that there have been recent attacks on the Hindu community in Chattogram. "This is bound to create further tensions in the community," he said.  

India has urged the interim government in Bangladesh to take action against extremist elements and ensure safety of the Hindus. "We, yet again, urge the government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi on Thursday. He said they have observed that there have been recent attacks on the Hindu community in Chattogram. "Their properties have been looted. Their business establishments have been looted. And these happened following incendiary post on social media targeting Hindu religious organization," said the MEA Spokesperson while responding to a question. It is understood that there are "extremist elements" who are behind such posts and such illegal criminal activities, he said. "This is bound to create further tensions in the community," he said. Responding to a question, the Spokesperson said India considers Sheikh Hasina as former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. "Regarding the question you asked, I would say that I have already expressed my statement on this matter here before, and you can consider that statement as our position.We have said from this place that she is former Prime Minister, so that is where it stands," he said.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Thursday stressed the importance of air connectivity and resuming "visa on arrival" facility for Bangladeshi nationals in Indonesia to further strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Outgoing Indonesian Ambassador Heru Hartanto Subolo paid a farewell call on the foreign secretary at state guesthouse Padma on Thursday. The Indonesian diplomat assured the Bangladesh foreign secretary of looking into the points raised by him after his return to Jakarta. Ambassador Subolo congratulated Jashim Uddin on his assumption of the office of foreign secretary, who returned the compliment by congratulating the ambassador on his successful stint in Bangladesh. They discussed issues of mutual interest concerning trade and investment, energy, agriculture, tourism and connectivity.  Both underscored the necessity of holding the second Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries in early 2025, in order to review the whole gamut of bilateral relations. They also emphasized resuming the 5th round of Bangladesh- Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement (BI-PTA) negotiation highlighting that this would pave the way for more diversified trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. They discussed the potential of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical products in the Indonesian market and the importance of diversifying exports from Bangladesh to Indonesian market. Following the call on, the foreign secretary hosted a farewell luncheon in honour of the ambassador.

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), organised a consultation in Dhaka on Thursday and discussed introducing Orange Bonds in Bangladesh. This innovative financing initiative aims to drive gender equity, climate action, and economic growth by mobilizing up to $1 billion through sustainable bond issuances. The consultation, “Rebuilding an Inclusive Bangladesh with Orange Bonds,” is part of UNDP’s Governance of Climate Change Finance (GCCF) programme, which is supported by the Swedish government. Addressing the consultation as the chief guest, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the significance of the initiative. "Orange Bonds offer Bangladesh a pathway to a resilient, inclusive future, aligning with our vision for ‘Bangladesh 2.0,” he said. “By mobilizing $1 billion across key sectors such as garments, green infrastructure, and agriculture, we are strengthening our financial ecosystem and paving the way for private sector investment to support sustainable development. Together, we can shape a model of growth that serves as an example of shared success," he added. Maria Stridsman, Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission, Sida, spoke on “Climate and Gender: Intersection and Interventions,” while Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Chief Adviser’s Office, presented insights on “International Cooperation and Partnerships for Capital Market Development.” Lamiya Morshed highlighted the global significance of the initiative, saying that the work of “Bangladesh Orange Bond” initiative embodies the same spirit of sustainable and inclusive finance that they have been working on. “So we are very excited to share our encouragement for this and see it come to reality.” Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary of the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, said, “So far, our climate response has largely focused on mitigation. However, it’s essential that we place equal emphasis on adaptation to address the full scope of climate challenges.” He also highlighted the need to integrate climate considerations more thoroughly into the national budget. Shariar Kader Siddiki, Secretary of the External Resources Division, underscored the importance of policy readiness for the initiative. “This consultation marks a critical step in preparing Bangladesh’s financial landscape for Orange Bonds. We are committed to ensuring this initiative is backed by strong policy reforms, stakeholder engagement, and a robust market framework.” Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, said, “Climate finance needs to focus on both mitigation and adaptation, but is currently skewed towards mitigation, accounting for over 90% of funding. As COP29 approaches, a new climate finance goal is anticipated." "Given Bangladesh's development journey, it is crucial to secure substantial financing from diverse sources, including private sector engagement in climate finance and mechanisms like climate risk insurance, Islamic finance, thematic bonds, blended finance, and carbon trading. Many climate investments not only address urgent challenges but also deliver strong economic returns and create valuable job opportunities”. During the event, Prof Durreen Shahnaz, founder & CEO of IIX, presented a keynote on “Rebuilding an Inclusive Bangladesh: Orange Bonds,” outlining how the Orange Bonds initiative seeks to attract diverse investment sources, including the Bangladeshi diaspora, development finance institutions (DFIs), and global capital markets. The consultation gathered key representatives from the government, international development partners, and the private sector to explore the transformative potential of Orange Bonds for inclusive development.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said the interim government doesn’t foresee any major change in its relations with the United States, under what will be a new US administration following Republican candidate Donald J. Trump’s stunning victory in Tuesday’s presidential election. “Let’s see. Actually, we do not need to speculate. It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told reporters while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House. Trump pulled off one of the greatest political comebacks in U.S. history, sweeping all 7 Battleground States to stun the Democrats in the current administration, including his opponent Vice President Kamala Harris. Though the election is over, the US is still at the beginning of this new political season which will officially kick off on January 20, 2025 - Inauguration Day. The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said. The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh, and the reforms process. Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US.” The various aspects of US-Bangladesh relationship that were discussed with the Biden Administration were also the issues of discussion with the previous Trump administration. “Let’s see. First we will establish communication and then we will see how it goes.” Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development. “I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024. Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America. “I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser. He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.

Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi held a series of bilateral meetings in Geneva, Switzerland this week. He met with UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan at her office on November 4 and discussed UNCTAD’s contribution in thought-leadership and agenda-setting at the intersection of trade and development. Secretary General Grynspan expressed her office's readiness to enhance cooperation, and offer technical assistance to Bangladesh on its reforms journey including implementation of the DMFAS platform and upgrading of the ASYCUDA system used by Bangladesh customs.

The government has appointed Md Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan, alias Tarique Choyon, as the first secretary (press) at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in India's Kolkata. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification in this regard on Thursday. According to the notification, he will serve on a contractual basis for one year from his joining date. Tarique served as a senior reporter at the daily Manabzamin from 2019 to 2024. Prior to that, he worked as a researcher for the art show Lal Golap on Banglavision TV Channel from 2012 to 2016.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday welcomed the newly appointed Director General of the Center on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Dr. P. Chandra Shekhara. He met Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present his credentials. CIRDAP expressed hope for collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and other Member States to observe July 6 as World Rural Development Day, underscoring the critical role of sustainable rural development in building an inclusive future. On September 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming July 6 as "World Rural Development Day." Bangladesh initiated this resolution, which was presented at the 78th UNGA session plenary by Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Peru, the Philippines, and Thailand. The Foreign Adviser assured the Director General for continued support of Bangladesh as the host country of CIRDAP in its activities.