United News of Bangladesh

The fourth meeting of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) on Future Directions of the BIMSTEC was held at the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh on June 25-27. The members of EPG from all BIMSTEC member states joined the meeting which was chaired by Dr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, a member of the EPG from Thailand. The BIMSTEC Secretariat, led by Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, facilitated the meeting and assisted the EPG in its deliberations. BIMSTEC: 4th meeting of Eminent Persons’ Group on future directions to be held in Dhaka June 25-27 During the 3-day long meeting, the EPG engaged in discussions on the current status of regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC and its institutional mechanisms. Furthermore, the EPG held interactions with the Ex-Secretary General of BIMSTEC, members of the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT), and the representatives of trade and business organisations of BIMSTEC member states.  The EPG has been entrusted with the task of providing guidance to the Member State to reform, revitalise, and repurpose the BIMSTEC. The establishment of the EPG signifies the commitment of the BIMSTEC member states to take necessary steps to foster and deepen regional cooperation to realise the goals of a secure, developed, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region. The EPG is committed to submitting its report to the BIMSTEC Leaders at the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit. The Fifth Meeting of the Eminent Persons’ Group on Future Directions of BIMSTEC will be held on 16-18 July 2004; the first, second and third Meetings were held in Dhaka on 25 January 2024, 11-12 March 2024 and 12-13 May 2024 respectively. Dhaka calls for BIMSTEC cooperation on digital transformation at GDC closing session BIMSTEC comprises 7 countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.  It pursues regional cooperation in the following 7 sectors: Agriculture and Food Security; Connectivity; Environment and Climate Change; People to People Contact; Science, Technology and Innovation; Security; and Trade, Investment and Development. 

The week-long photography exhibition "Edge of Hope" organized by Amal Foundation, concluded successfully on Thursday evening at the British Council premises. This flagship event, held in observance of World Refugee Day 2024, showcased a collection of powerful images that highlight the resilience and strength of Rohingya and climate refugees in Bangladesh, said a media statement. For the past seven days, the photographs captured by celebrated photographer duo Jim McFarlane and Anthony Dawton were exhibited, offering a glimpse into displaced communities' lives and emphasizing their enduring hope despite the challenges they face. Jamuna Group participates in Global Sourcing Expo in Australia The exhibition also featured a variety of activities aimed at helping people better understand the refugee experience which includes workshops, panel discussions, and competitions, all of which created opportunities for conversation and learning. These events highlighted the importance of speaking up and taking action to support displaced communities. Libyan Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulmutalib S M Suliman graced the event as the Chief Guest. He appreciated the initiative and stated “I am honored to be a part of this event and would like to give my heartfelt gratitude to the photographers Jim MacFarlane and Anthony Dawton. I would also like to give my gracious remarks to Amal Foundation for inviting me to this event and for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this event” Nick McLean, First Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs at the Australian High Commission, expressed in his statement that “I look very much forward to seeing some of the work by these esteemed photographers. As we commemorate Refugee Day we should address many other crises that are going on in there. Which is why it is very important to tell these stories to these displaced communities, especially in the international field. We should all be able to work together with Bangladesh so that we can give these refugees of Rohingya a sustainable return to their homes”. Walton Unveils AI Doctor Feature for Smart Fridges Distinguished guests included representatives from various public and private organizations, universities, and media houses, who praised the exhibition's goal to promote positivity. Amal Foundation highlighted the stories of vulnerable communities through this impactful exhibition, earning recognition and appreciation from attendees.

Describing China as a very important development partner, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s forthcoming China visit will be a very important one which will involve discussion on many development projects.   “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will go to China on July 8. The visit will be from July 8 to 11,” Hasan confirmed the dates.     Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is going to China after coming back from India. Bangladesh seeks India’s support to join BRICS under any format: FM  "It is a reflection that we have been maintaining a balanced diplomacy,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister said Dhaka follows Bangladesh foreign policy’s doctrine: “Friendship to all, malice towards none,” which was formulated by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid her first bilateral visit this year to New Delhi on June 21-22 and she is scheduled to pay her second bilateral visit to Beijing in the second week of July. The Foreign Minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the first head of government invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after forming the new Indian government.   “It is indeed a matter of honor for us,” said Hasan. "India is our true friend and the relationship with India is based on the spirit of the great 1971 Liberation War and bonded through cooperation and this special relationship is never to be broken. On the other hand, Hasan said, China is Bangladesh’s important development partner as Beijing had made significant investments in the country’s various projects," he added. “China is our very important development partner while many Chinese companies are engaged in Bangladesh’s Padma Bridge project, Bangabandhu Tunnel and several railway projects as well,” he said.  2 countries working together to unearth mystery behind Anwarul’s murder: FM Hasan said the Prime Minister’s China visit is  significant as discussion would be held on a wide range of issues including several projects. “I believe the friendly relations between two countries (Bangladesh and China) will be strengthened through the (upcoming) visit of the Honorable Prime Minister(Sheikh Hasina) to China,” he said. Responding to a query over the discussion agendas of the upcoming prime minister level bilateral meeting in Beijing, he said they are still developing those as there is more than one week to go before the visit. The foreign minister said that the Rohingya issue will get priority in Beijing as China’s role is crucial in commencing the repatriation of the forcibly displaced people from Bangladesh to Myanmar.  Responding to question on both Chinese and Indian interest regarding the Teesta river project, Hasan said, “As Teesta is a transboundary river of India and Bangladesh, we think it will be good for us if India helps us (on Teesta project) as per our requirement.” While asked about the recently signed Dhaka-Delhi Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on train movement between Bangladesh and India, the minister said it was based on the spirit of regional connectivity.     “Only a MoU was signed, no agreement yet to ink on this … we are thinking about regional connectivity that train service will not only run from Bangladesh to India, it will also run from Bangladesh to Nepal and Bhutan,” he said.  Conducting negotiations instead of provocation to find ways for Rohingya repatriation: FM Hasan The minister pointed out that the railway connectivity between Dhaka and Kolkata, Dhaka and Siliguri and Khulna and Kolkata have been under operation.  “No one complained yet on the railway connectivity with India, everyone is happy,” he said, adding that it would be beneficial for both the neighbours if the rail connection is extended further.  The minister said India has already allowed Bangladesh to transmit hydroelectricity over its territory while Delhi showed its willingness to allow goods transportation between Bangladesh and Nepal, Bhutan using Indian soil.    

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday hailed South Korea as an extraordinary development and investment partner of Bangladesh. She said this while Chairman and CEO of Korea Export-Import Bank YOON, Hee Sung called on her at her Sangsad Bhaban office. PM’s Assistant Press Secretary ABM Sarwer-e-Alom Sarker briefed the reporters after the call on. Hasina expressed gratitude to the Korean government for their assistance, elevated to USD 6 billion  from approximately USD 300-400 million in 5 years. She thanked YOON for signing the agreement on financing the construction of Rail-cum-Road Bridge across the River Karnaphuli at Kalurghat Point, Chattogram. “The bridge would surely solve the traffic problems of Chattogram city and create a wide corridor for the Matarbari (Sonadia) deep sea port for South Asia, South East Asia, and particularly the Northeastern part of India,” she said. She thanked them for their concessional financing of significant projects in Bangladesh. She also recalled her two visits to the Republic of Korea. Media acts as a bridge connecting our peoples: Pranay Verma During her visit in 2010, she graciously recalled that she called the Republic “a special friend” deeply involved in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Chairman and CEO of Korea Exim Bank YOON, Hee Sung expressed gratitude for being able to meet with PM Hasina in person and expressed great satisfaction for his fruitful visit to Dhaka. He considered his visit the most exciting as he saw Bangladesh’s ongoing masterpiece development journey. The Chairman and CEO of the Korean Export-Import Bank underscored the importance of Bangladesh’s growing GDP, ongoing development trajectory, and socio-economic development, which have been well maintained despite the ongoing global economic and political challenges, including the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. He praised Hasina’s efforts to reduce poverty and graduate from LDC completely by 2026. PM receives Tk 315 crore as Padma Bridge loan repayments YOON reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Korean trade and investment in Bangladesh, a pledge that holds significant promise for the future economic prospects of both countries. The Korean delegation expressed satisfaction in supporting Bangladesh with 6 billion USD to finance development projects and programs from 2023 to 2027 under EDCF (Economic Development Cooperation Fund) and EDPF (Economic Development Promotion Fund). They also expressed their interest in extending cooperation and financing in skilled human resources development in Bangladesh. YOON highlighted the mutual benefits of this cooperation, as Bangladesh has a good number of youth as human capital, while the Korean Republic has been facing growing challenges due to its increasing aging population. He expressed hope that both countries can complement each other to overcome this challenge, which eventually helps both countries’ socio-economic development, instilling a sense of positivity in the audience about the potential outcomes of this cooperation. YOON expressed his keen interest in further developing and strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh, a gesture that Sheikh Hasina warmly received. The prime minister recalled her meeting with him at the sideline of the G-20 summit in India in September 2023. Govt modernised curriculum to flourish talents of students: PM Hasina She reiterated her commitment to widening and deepening the existing relationship with the Republic of Korea, ensuring a promising future for the two peoples. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties looking forward to a mutually prosperous future, PM’s Assistant Press Secretary said. Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan, Principal Secretary Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, and ERD Secretary MD Shahriar Kader Siddiky were present at the meeting.

High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has highlighted the important role of media in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the people of India and Bangladesh which have been built upon shared history and culture. Speaking at an event with DCAB members, he noted that the media acts as a bridge that connects peoples of the two countries, facilitates dialogue and promotes understanding. The High Commissioner underlined the importance of closer engagement between the media of the two countries and their contributions in shaping a positive narrative of India-Bangladesh partnership oriented towards shared values and aspirations. High Commission of India organized the special interactive session with members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Thursday in the context of a special training programme organised by the Government of India for them. The first batch of twenty DCAB members visited India on a week-long programme in May 2024. During the event, DCAB members shared the experience of their visit to India and its positive role in enhancing their understanding of recent developments in India and India-Bangladesh relations. The training programme for DCAB members is part of a long tradition of multifaceted capacity-building exchanges between India and Bangladesh. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu were also present.

Bangladesh has won the 'Best Activities Award' for screening the movie 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation' at the International Expo (iExpo) held at the renowned Multimedia University of Malaysia (MMU), Cyberjaya, Selangor. Khalid Faiaz Mohammad, Student Advisor , International Student Society and Tengku Alyssa Sabrina Binti Tengku Erwin Martino, Head of Activities Department, International Expo (iExpo), Multimedia University handed over the Award to Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia on Thursday at the Bangladesh High Commission. Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Deputy High Commissioner and Rehana Parvin, First Secretary (Political) were also present. The international Expo was held from 20-23 June 2024 at the Multimedia University with the participation of different countries of the world. As part of public diplomacy initiative, Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur organized the screening of the film "Mujib: The Making of a Nation" based on the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Friday (June 21, 2024) at Multimedia University. High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Malaysia, Md. Shameem Ahsan; Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, BN Reddy; President and CEO of Multimedia University, Professor Dato' Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su'ud, Faculty members, officials of various Ministries/ departments of Malaysia including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of diplomatic corps, a large number of students from various Universities, leaders of student associations, leaders of the Bangladesh community in Malaysia, journalists and officials of the High Commission enjoyed the movie with family.

Britain’s Labour party has been forced to issue a clarification on comments made by its leader Keir Starmer regarding the removal of Bangladeshi migrants from the UK, as reports emerged of outrage among members of the British-Bangladeshi community ahead of next week’s general election.  At a town hall with readers of The Sun, a rightwing tabloid, earlier this week, Starmer said: "At the moment people coming from countries like Bangladesh are not being removed because they’re not being processed." He was being asked about Labour's rejection of the Conservative government policy of deporting migrants who arrive in the UK illegally in small boats to Rwanda. Starmer was trying to explain his policy would be to send illegal migrants back to their countries of origin.  "The number of people being returned to where they came from has dropped off by 44 percent under this government. So on the first few days of government, I’ll tell you what I do, I’ll put the staff back in the returns unit, I’ll make sure I’ve got planes going off, not to Rwanda because that’s an expensive gimmick," the Labour leader said. Asked where the migrants would go, Starmer, who is being described as a ‘prime minister in waiting’, replied: "They will go back to the countries where people come from. That’s what used to happen." He then made the reference to Bangladeshi migrants. Fourth UK Conservative Party official reportedly investigated in widening election betting scandal A clip of the interaction described by news website PoliticsHome, that has reportedly been distributed on WhatsApp groups, shows Starmer talking of "people coming from countries like Bangladesh" but does not explicitly specify that he is referring to people without permission to settle in the UK. At the end of the video, a message reads: "Don't vote for Labour on 4 July. Vote for Independent candidates." Pro-Palestinian independent candidates are standing against Labour in a number of seats across England in the UK’s election, and regard voters disillusioned with Labour as their most likely supporters.  The Labour party in a statement said: "Keir has proudly supported the Bangladeshi community across the UK, who make an enormous contribution to our country. This clip has been edited to make it look as though Keir Starmer is suggesting repatriation of British Bangladeshis. It is misinformation. "In fact, Keir is referring to Labour's long established policy of returning those who don't have the legal right to be in the UK to safe countries. Bangladesh was only used as an example, as there is already a bilateral agreement between the two countries." The reference is to a new agreement signed between the two governments in May "to speed up the removal of migrants with no right to be in the country" by removing a mandatory interview in cases "where there is good supporting evidence for removal". The UK and Bangladesh held their first ever Joint Working Group meeting on Home Affairs at the British Home Office in London and signed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Returns, UNB reported at the time. Nevertheless, the traditional support for Labour within the Bangladeshi community in the UK was set to be tested, as another candidate for the party in next week’s elections, Jon Ashworth, a member of Starmer’s shadow cabinet in the last parliament, also told the BBC this week that a Labour government would send migrants “from countries like Bangladesh or wherever” back to their countries of origin. What happened this week in the UK election campaign, from a betting controversy to Farage's ambition The reaction within Starmer’s own party has been stark. Labour has seven candidates of Bangladeshi origin standing in the election on July 4. Four of them were incumbent MPs till parliament was dissolved ahead of the election. Rushanara Ali - the first British-Bangladeshi MP in the House of Commons and Shadow Minister - said in a message circulated online: "There has been considerable concern and upset following the release of a clip of the Labour Party leader. I have been in close contact with his team to relay the concerns in our community". Apsana Begum, the Labour candidate standing for re-election in Poplar and Limehouse, tweeted a video of herself – in English and in Sylheti – criticising politicians using "dog-whistle racism against Bangladeshis". Stepney Green Councillor Sabina Akhtar, deputy leader of Labour’s Tower Hamlets unit, handed in her resignation. "I was a proud Labour party member, but I find I cannot be proud of this party anymore when the leader singles out my community and insults my Bangladeshi identity," she said in a statement. Paula Barker, who is re-standing to be the Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, tweeted: "Bangladeshis do not come here illegally. Their contribution to our national life and our community here in Liverpool is immeasurable. I will always stand with them now and always". Starmer and Ashworth’s comments have been described as racist dog whistles that have left members of the British-Bangladeshi community “seething with anger”.  In the 2021 census, there were a total of 652,535 Bangladeshis in the United Kingdom, around 1% of the total population. Nearly half of the population live in London, and the community is regarded as the driving force behind Britain’s $5 billion curry industry. Immigration is a hot-button issue in this year’s election in the UK, with the status of asylum seekers a particular concern for some voters. British government statistics show that the top countries of origin of people seeking asylum in the UK are Afghanistan, Iran and India, with Bangladesh ranking seventh. Labour currently enjoys a big lead in the polls, and is expected to win the election ending 14 years of Conservative rule. But both parties are trying to avoid leaking votes to the newly-formed Reform party, that has set out its stall almost entirely around a pledge to drastically reduce net migration into the UK.  

Outgoing Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde has suggested that Swedish companies with expertise in green-tech, smart city and sustainable solutions could augment the capacities of Bangladesh, particularly in green transition, digital transformation and smart city solutions. She highlighted the robust presence of around 50 Swedish companies, including H&M, Scania, Volvo, Ericsson in Bangladesh. Bangladesh seeks India’s support to join BRICS under any format: FM  The envoy paid her farewell courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP at the latter’s office on Wednesday. The Foreign Minister congratulated Ambassador von Linde for her successful tenure in Bangladesh and commended her efforts and contributions in further strengthening bilateral relations between our two friendly countries. He recalled with gratitude Sweden’s recognition, as one of the earliest European countries, of Bangladesh on 4 February 1972 and thanked the Swedish government for continued development cooperation and support to Bangladesh over the last five decades. The Foreign Minister appreciated growing Bangladesh-Sweden trade and investment relations and sought Sweden’s engagements with Bangladesh in ICT, skills development and waste-2-energy sectors. 2 countries working together to unearth mystery behind Anwarul’s murder: FM The Swedish Ambassador deeply appreciated the holistic support from the Bangladesh authorities in discharging her responsibilities. She stated that the visits of  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Sweden in 2017 and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden to Bangladesh, in her capacity as the Goodwill Ambassador for the UNDP, in March 2024 have deepened the bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador von Linde also shared her satisfaction at being able to witness the celebrations of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Sweden during her tenure in Bangladesh and hoped for the expanded bilateral ties in the days ahead. The outgoing Ambassador assured continued humanitarian support to the Rohingyas and host community as well as political support in resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Minister thanked the Swedish government for its humanitarian support to the forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh and its commitment towards resolving the crisis. Conducting negotiations instead of provocation to find ways for Rohingya repatriation: FM Hasan The Foreign Minister praised Ambassador von Linde for her active and engaging postures and hoped that she would be Bangladesh’s goodwill ambassador to Europe in the coming days.

Foreign Minister and Joint General Secretary of Awami League Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said that the government has signed new MoUs and renewed old MoUs with India protecting the country’s interests. He made the remarks while responding to a question regarding BNP's negative comments on the Prime Minister's recent visit to India. Bangladesh seeks India’s support to join BRICS under any format: FM  The foreign minister said that the BNP secretary general is commenting without understanding the difference between the agreement and the memorandum of understanding. "Their job is to oppose the government for no reason." Describing the relationship with India as “mutually respectful,” Foreign Minister Hasan said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for a state visit as the first head of government after forming the government for the third time. "India is our trusted friend. The way India helped us in our War of Liberation, the way their soldiers had sacrificed their lives, the way they had sheltered our nearly one crore people — our relationship with them is inseparable," he said. 2 countries working together to unearth mystery behind Anwarul’s murder: FM The minister said that when the BNP was in power, they could not maintain relations with neighbouring countries. BNP leader Begum Khaleda  Zia herself said that she forgot to talk about the Ganga Treaty when she went to India, Hasan said. "We are getting water because Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina signed the Ganga Treaty in 1996," he said. The foreign minister said that today, under the leaderships of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relationship between the two countries has reached a new height. Conducting negotiations instead of provocation to find ways for Rohingya repatriation: FM Hasan As a result, he said, Bangladesh is able to import hydropower from Nepal through transmission line over India. "Discussions are also underway with Bhutan. India lifted the ban on onion exports to Bangladesh ahead of Eid-ul-Azha this year because of the friendly relationship." In response to a question about connectivity with India, Hasan said that Dhaka-Kolkata, Khulna-Kolkata rail connectivity exist. Along with India, work is going on to develop regional rail and road connectivity with Nepal and Bhutan.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) organized a validation workshop on the Priority Investment Plan-Crop Sector (PIP-CS:2024-2030) where key areas for potential investment in the crop sector were presented. The workshop brought together multiple stakeholders including private sector, development partners, government, researcher, academia and civil society organizations. Wahida Akter, secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture participated the event as the chief guest and Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh was the guest of honor. The event was hosted by Dr Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). FAO is providing technical support to the Government of Bangladesh in developing the Priority Investment Plan in the Crop Sector (PIP-CS) to identify potential investment areas and providing a platform under its Hand-in-Hand Initiative to bring together stakeholders to mobilize funding for an economically diversified and sustainable agriculture. The PIP-CS was drafted in collaboration with a technical team set up by the Ministry of Agriculture comprising experts from relevant ministries, agencies, academia, and the private sector. Wahida Akter said “We work together with FAO towards transforming the crop sector in Bangladesh to achieve the national development goals in implementation of the National Agricultural Policy.” Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said “FAO is happy to support the preparation of Priority Investment Plan for the crop sector, providing technical assistance under FAO’s flagship Hand-in-Hand Initiative.” In preparation of this validation workshop, about 700 local stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, researcher, non-state actor and academia participated in regional consultations conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with FAO in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Barisal, Cumilla, Jashore, and Mymensingh in July and September 2022.