United News of Bangladesh

A four-day long border conference between the regional commander of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and frontier IG of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) began this afternoon (Saturday) in Kolkata, India. The frontier talks between the region commander, BGB (Jashore and Rangpur sector) and frontier inspector general (IG), BSF (South Bengal, North Bengal and Guwahati frontier) will continue till Tuesday (June 25), said Md Shariful Islam, public relations officer of the BGB Headquarters. BGB Chief orders heightened vigilance along Bangladesh-Myanmar border A 12-member Bangladesh delegation led by BGB's Jashore Region Commander Brig. Gen. Shamim Ahmed participated in the conference while IG of South Bengal Frontier Shri Ayush Mani Tiwari, IPS leading a 15-member Indian delegation, he added. The Bangladesh delegation also includes BGB Rangpur Region Commander Brigadier General Khondkar Shafiquzzaman, PSC, Rajshahi Sector Commander Md Imran Ibn Rauf and Kushtia Sector Commander Emarat Hossain, BGB staff officers, Home and Foreign Ministry officials. The Indian delegation includes BSF Guwahati Frontier IG Shri Dinesh Kumar Yadav and North Bengal Frontier IG Shri Suriya Kant Sharma along with BSF South Bengal Frontier Nodal Officer, concerned officials of Ministry of Home Affairs and External Affairs of India. BGB-BSF flag meeting held to cooperate in curbing border crimes Effective implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) to combat various cross-border crimes including border killings, prevention of illegal infiltration and smuggling of drugs, gold and weapons, the existing mutual cordial relationship between the border guarding forces of the two countries and various issues of mutual interest will be discussed in the conference.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi have jointly articulated their "Shared Vision" for peace, prosperity and development of the two neighbors and the entire region, driven by connectivity, commerce and collaboration. They noted that they need to take the relationship to a deeper and higher quality relationship based on mutual trust and benefit in the coming days. "We are confident that this Shared Vision for Future will provide further impetus to strengthening our historic ties and building a future-ready partnership by further developing the current ‘Sonaali Adhyaay’ in our bilateral relations," the shared vision statement quoted the two leaders. The 14-point vision statement titled "Bangladesh-India Shared Vision for Future: Enhancing Connectivity, Commerce, and Collaboration for Shared Prosperity" was issued on Saturday night following the conclusion of PM Hasina's state visit to India. At the invitation of PM Narendra Modi, PM Sheikh Hasina paid a state visit to India on June 21-22. In their wide-ranging discussions, the two leaders recognized that India-Bangladesh partnership, which is founded on deep historical, linguistic, cultural, and economic linkages has strengthened in the last decade inspired by the spirit of their shared sacrifices of 1971 and guided by their new aspirations of the 21st century. This is reflective of an all-encompassing partnership that transcends a strategic partnership, built upon shared values and interests, equality, trust and understanding and rooted in mutual sensitivity to each other’s aspirations and concerns. To realize the immense potential of this extra-ordinary relationship and to turn it into a transformational partnership for mutual benefits and prosperity of their people and the entire region, the two said, "We share the conviction that our progress and prosperity are interlinked and reaffirm our mutual desire to guide India-Bangladesh ties to a new era of future-oriented partnership, for which we recognize each other as indispensable partners in realizing our respective national development visions of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041”.  As a close and valued neighbour with rapidly growing capabilities, Bangladesh is at the converging point of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, “Act East” policy, SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific vision, and an indispensable partner in the development of India’s northeastern region. On the other hand, Bangladesh values its relationship with India as the closest and friendly neighbor. Bangladesh considers India as an important partner in the pursuit of its Neighborhood Foreign Policy for ensuring shared peace and prosperity. Together, we will pursue a transformative partnership that advances the shared interests in promoting multi-faceted connectivity for both our countries as well as the entire region by transforming our geographical proximity into new economic opportunities. This will include connectivity in its broadest form – physical connectivity covering multi-modal transport and cross-border trade & transit infrastructure for seamless cross-border movement of people, goods and services, as well as energy connectivity and digital connectivity.  As part of our sub-regional connectivity initiatives, India will extend transit facilities for movement of Bangladesh goods to Nepal and Bhutan through railway network. We are committed  to early operationalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement to promote sub-regional connectivity. In this context, we welcome a new MOU on Railway Connectivity as well as the decision to commence goods-train service from Gede-Darshana through Chilahati-Haldibari up to Hasimara via Dalgaon railhead (as and when operationalized) at the India-Bhutan border. We will continue to expand our power and energy collaboration and together develop intra-regional electricity trade, including of competitively-priced power generated from clean energy projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan, through the Indian electricity grid. To this end, we will expedite the construction of 765 kV high-capacity interconnection between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar with suitable Indian financial assistance, to act as the anchor for our grid connectivity. Underlining the pivotal role played by emerging technologies to build inclusive, sustainable and digitally empowered societies and to bring larger benefits to people of both countries, we are forging a new paradigm for future-oriented partnership through a “Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership” and “Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future” in line with our respective broader Vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041”. These will build a transformative collaboration between India and Bangladesh by leveraging green and digital technologies to foster economic growth, sustainable and climate-resilient development, environmental conservation, cross-border digital interchange and regional prosperity. We will also pursue collaboration in frontier technologies, including civil nuclear, oceanography and space technology. To this end, we will partner in joint development of a small satellite for Bangladesh and its launch using Indian launch vehicle.  Resolving to work towards promoting the prosperity of our people, we will strengthen trade and investment linkages with each other, including through early commencement of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), early operationalization of two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offered by Bangladesh to India in Mongla and Mirsharai, opening of new border-haats, trade facilitation to enhance bilateral trade, improving road, rail, air, and maritime connectivity and trade infrastructure which can transform our geographical proximity into new economic opportunities for our peoples.  We will also encourage and support our private sector to seek new investment opportunities in each other’s priority areas of economic development. Recognizing the importance of water resource management in our bilateral relationship, we will continue to engage in prioritizing the exchange of data and formulating the framework for interim water sharing based on the recommendations of the Joint Rivers Commission. We welcome the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. As part of our development cooperation, we will also undertake conservation and management of Teesta River inside Bangladesh with Indian assistance within a mutually agreed timeframe. Appreciating the significant role of the two countries in ensuring peace, stability and harmony in the region, we will strengthen our defence cooperation with a long-term perspective. In line with the plans for modernization of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, we will explore defence industrial cooperation for modernization of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh,  to strengthen their capability for defence. We will continue to work closely with Bangladesh for our multifaceted military engagements of exercises, training and capability development. We will further bolster India-Bangladesh development cooperation by concluding a new Framework Agreement for Development Partnership, which will expand the reach of our projects and programmes in line with the priorities of the people and the Government of Bangladesh and our long-term vision of closer connectivity. We will work together to expand our capacity building programme for civil services, judicial officers, police and other specialized services of Bangladesh. Recognizing the shared cultural and historical heritage and vibrant people-to-people ties, we will nurture the existing linkages by promoting exchanges of Muktijoddhas, scholars, academics, artistes, tourists, students and youth. We will further raise the level of our support to the valiant Muktijoddhas and their families, with new programmes for medical and educational support. To facilitate easier cross-border travel and as a supportive gesture to the friendly people of Bangladesh, India will extend e-Medical Visa facility to people from Bangladesh travelling to India for medical treatment. We have agreed to open a new Assistant High Commission of India in Rangpur as a step to facilitate expeditious consular and visa services for the people of north-west region of Bangladesh. Based on availability and to the best of its abilities, India will also support Bangladesh with supply of essential commodities. We recognize the imperative of accelerating our partnership in sectors which promote youth development through education, skilling, entrepreneurship, technology, sports and creative and cultural industries. The India-Bangladesh partnership will respond to the expectations and aspirations of our youth for a better future. Recognizing the contribution of our partnership to peace, security and stability in the region, we reiterate our commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Based on our converging visions for the Indo-Pacific region and recognizing the vulnerability of the region to adverse impacts of climate change, we will co-lead the ‘Disaster Risk Reduction and Management’ pillar of the Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), and cooperate to mitigate disaster risks, build disaster resilient infrastructure, and contribute to the sustenance of our shared maritime region. With our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation, we also envision India-Bangladesh relationship to become a major anchor for regional and sub-regional integration under the BIMSTEC, SAARC and IORA architectures. We will work together on global platforms to promote our common interests, especially the interests of Global South."

Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said Bangladesh and India are moving ahead rapidly to strengthen their cooperation in various areas and entering into new sectors also. She expressed confidence that this will chart the future course of Bangladesh-India relationship. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the President said that she was delighted to meet her again, just a few days after the swearing in ceremony of the new government. The President said these regular interactions reflect the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation, that began with the journey of Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971.

Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur organised the screening of "Mujib: Making of a Nation", a film based on the life of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Friday at the prominent Multimedia University of Malaysia(MMU. Bangladeshi High Commissioner Md. Shameem Ahsan, his Spouse, Pandora Chowdhury; 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 or 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. High Commissioner Shameem Ahsan and Indian High Commissioner BN Reddy presented the context of the movie before the screening of 'Mujib-The Making of a Nation', a Bangladesh-India joint production, directed by Shyam Benegal, a renowned Film Director of India. Paying deep tribute to the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with 30 lakh martyrs and 2 lakh mothers and sisters, the High Commissioner said that the indomitable struggle and exemplary sacrifices of the Father of the Nation in building an independent Bangladesh for the Bengalis has been skillfully and beautifully portrayed through this movie. He mentioned that Bangabandhu had a larger-than-life, a charismatic personality who is relevant not only to the Bengali nation, but also for all the freedom aspiring people of the world. Bangabandhu was a phenomenal politician with rare human qualities. As a humanist, he fought for the rights of the oppressed people throughout his life-he added. Indian envoy mentioned that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was not just a leader of Bangladesh; he was a towering figure in the South Asian history. His indomitable spirit, unyielding dedication to his people, and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the subcontinent. He added that the film is a celebration of Bangabandhu’s extraordinary journey, his sacrifices, and his unwavering resolve. The President and CEO of Multimedia University, Prof. Dato Dr. Majliham thanked Bangladesh High Commission for the initiative to present the illustrious life and works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman before the future leaders through the screening of the movie. He expressed his interest to be involved in such events of the High Commission in the future. Deeply moved and touched, the audience highly appreciated the movie and its story line depicting Bangabandhu's relentless epic struggle, profound love and compassion for the country and his people and his tragic assassination by the misguided elements alongwith the other members of his family. It may be noted that the joint production of the biopic is a joint contribution of Bangladesh and India, started on January 22, 2021 in Mumbai Film City, India and concluded on December 18, 2021 in Bangladesh. Last year, the first poster of the film was released on March 17, 2022 on Bangabandhu's birth anniversary, whereas the second poster on May 3, 2022 and the trailer of the film were released at the Cannes Film Festival in France on May 19. The movie was released on 13 October 2023. Before the screening of the movie, a documentary on the development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was screened. A Reception preceded the screening and the guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi and Malaysian cuisine. The event was conducted by two students from Bhutan and Egypt of Multimedia University while it captivated the audience. The screening was a part of the Public Diplomacy initiative of the High Commission to project Bangladesh positively to the wider audience in Malaysia.

Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Advisor Salman Fazlur Rahman has said that the relations between Bangladesh and India are very close and friendly. The relationship is expected to be strengthened after the meeting between the heads of the two countries, he said. Rahman said these things in an interview given to the Indian media in Delhi this morning. Bangladesh seeks India’s support to join BRICS under any format: FM  Besides, the economic cooperation between the two countries will further increase, Shafiqul Islam, public relations officer at the adviser's office said in a press release. Salman F Rahman stated discussions have been held with Indian businessmen. They have expressed their keen interest in energy, healthcare, consumer goods, IT and agriculture sectors. Many of them have invested in Bangladesh and want to increase their involvement. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also has sincere support for this. Regarding Bangladesh's relationship with India, he said, "Our relationship with India is very close. Indian PM Narendra Modi always said neighbor first." PM Hasina's state visit reflects depth of Bangladesh-India Maitri: Jaishankar  Apart from increasing economic cooperation between the two countries, various issues were discussed during this visit, Rahman informed.

Land Minister Narayon Chandra Chanda said on Saturday that they are moving forward with the goal of eradicating corruption through systematic changes and it will be an important step towards building a Smart Bangladesh. The minister said this while addressing a workshop on people-friendly digital surveys and a view-exchange meeting with stakeholders, organized by the Department of Land Records and Survey at the conference room of District Commissioner's office in Barishal, as the chief guest. He said smart digitization of land management will protect the interests of legitimate owners. It will prevent illegal occupation as well as thwart attempts to purchase land with illicitly acquired money. Referring to the Prime Minister's 'Zero Tolerance' policy against corruption, the minister said, “We have planned to link the National ID (NID) system with land ownership management. If this initiative is successful, the tendencies for land-related crimes will significantly decrease.” Addressing various steps taken by the ministry to increase public awareness, the minister said a conscious citizen is a smart citizen. Smart citizens are aware of their rights. As citizens' awareness increases, corruption will be greatly reduced. Special guests at the event included Anis Mahmud, Director General of the Land Records and Survey Department, and Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Land. Also present were Md. Shawkat Ali, Divisional Commissioner of Barisal as chair; Md. Ahsan Habib, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) and Md. Mominur Rashid, Director of Land Records and Survey Department, among others. It may be mentioned Bangladesh Digital Survey program is ongoing under the EDLMS (Establishment of Digital Land Management System) project in Narayanganj City Corporation, Chattogram, Rajshahi City Corporation, Manikganj Municipality, and Dhaka's Dhamrai and Kushtia Sadar Upazilas. This project is being implemented using cutting-edge technology including GNSS, Total Survey System, drones, Oracle Data, and GIS software with South Korean assistance. Additionally, BDS (Bangladesh Digital Survey) operations will soon be launched in 32 more upazilas of the country through another project.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was served Kolkata biryani, fragrant basmati rice & vegetables cooked and flavoured in Kolkata style, and other local food items at a luncheon hosted by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House here. The other local items included Dahi Puchka (Indian street food delicacy-crispy puffed balls stuffed with curd and street food condiments, served with sweet and tangy flavoured water); Matar aur Bajre ka Shorba (An exotic green peas and pearl millet broth flavoured with mint, topped with almond foam); Chhanar Pathuri (Bengali delicacy made with cottage cheese steamed and wrapped in banana leaf with coconut, green mangoes, chilli and mustard paste, served on a bed of steamed rice); and Subz Keema & Thyme Singara (Crumbled potatoes, feta, cauliflower, peanut & thyme stuffed in "Samosa" pastry). On the menu were also Amaranth Kofta Gulbadan (Amaranth vegetable dumpling simmered in Indian kofta curry); Panchmel ni Sabzi (Seasonal vegetables with cumin, onion and tomato slivers, a Gujarati delicacy); Doi Paneer (Marinated cottage cheese steaks cooked with tangy curd and Indian spices); Shukto (Bengali mix vegetable curry); and Bengali Masoor Dal (Bengali lentil delicacy). The other items were Assorted Indian Breads; Paan Rasmalai Coulis (Poached cottage cheese dumpling infused with betel leaves and gulkand, served with saffron cream); Gud Jalebi aur Aam Kulfi (Crispy pretzels soaked in jaggery syrup and mango flavoured homemade Indian ice cream served with sweetened vermicelli and tukmalanga seeds); Carved Fruits of the Season; and Roasted Coffee / Masala Chai / Qehwa The Bangladesh prime minister arrived here on Friday on a two-day state visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi who hosted the lunch in her honour. This is the first bilateral visit by any head of government to India after the BJP-led alliance formed its government for the third consecutive term. It is also Sheikh Hasina’s second visit to India in the current month as she joined the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi on June 9 last. She joined the banquet luncheon after the two leaders had a tête-à-tête (one to one meeting), led their respective sides at a  delegation-level bilateral meeting and witnessed the exchange of 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) including two shared visions and three renewed MoUs.  

Bangladesh has sought support from India to join BRICS under any format either as a member or a partner country, said Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Saturday. “We’ve sought support from India to join BRICS under any format,” he said, while briefing reporters about the outcomes of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s engagements here, including her bilateral meeting with Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The Bangladesh foreign mInister said India responded positively in this regard (over extending help towards Bangladesh to join BRICS). If BRICS decides to add new members or partner countries, Bangladesh wants to be associated with BRICS anyway, he said. BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation with nine member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Bangladesh prime minister arrived here on Friday on a two-day state visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Sheikh Hasina had a tête-à-tête (one to one meeting) with Modi, led the Bangladesh delegation at a bilateral meeting and witnessed the exchange of 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) including two shared visions and three renewed MoUs at Hyderabad House here. The foreign minister said the delegation level talks featured many issues of bilateral interests that include connectivity, joint management and water sharing of 54 common rivers, trade, security, border management, introduction of quota for Bangladesh to import essential commodities from India and quick medical visas for Bangladeshis. During the meeting, the issue of connectivity was elaborately discussed and India expressed interest so that India eastern states can use Chattogram and Mongla ports, he said. PM Hasina's state visit reflects depth of Bangladesh-India Maitri: Jaishankar  About border killing, Hasan Mahmud said Bangladesh and India are politically interested in bringing down the border killing at zero level, but such incidents occur there. So, the issue came up for discussion to end the border killings. Noting that Bangladesh and India share 54 common rivers, he said the matter of developing a joint river management for the rivers has prominently came up at the delegation level bilateral meeting. Joint river management is important as it can help us fight together against the adverse impacts of climate changes and floods, protect the environment, and address the concerning issues in various climate related events, he said. Hasan said Bangladesh is set to import electricity from Bhutan and Nepal and has already signed an agreement with Bhutan to this end. He said Bangladesh has talked about the matter with India to which they gave a very positive response. Bangladesh sought introduction of a quota system for Bangladesh to import essential commodities such as onion, oil, wheat and sugar from India. "We’ve sought a specific quota to this purpose so that they won’t stop the export of essential items abruptly to Bangladesh," he said. Dhaka, Delhi sign 10 instruments for cooperation in rail connectivity, other fields Replying to a question, the Foreign Minister Teesta project was also discussed during the bilateral meeting with India. India has expressed its desire to assist Bangladesh in implementation of the Teesta project, he said, adding that other countries have also expressed their willingness to this matter. Technical committees of both the countries will sit together to pursue the matter, he continued. Dhaka, Delhi agree on collaboration for betterment of both peoples: PM Hasina after talks with Modi He also said India hasn’t expressed any objection regarding China to this end. The foreign minister said Bangladesh had sought help from India to send back 12 lakh forcibly displaced Rohingya to their motherland Myanmar. In reply to another question, the minister said he himself brought the issue of resolving the existing problem over Indian medical visa for Bangladeshis by cutting the duration of issuing medical visas. Bangladeshis are currently facing problems in getting medical visas as it takes a long time, he said. The Indian prime minister already asked the authorities concerned to resolve the problem. India has been working to update their software and issue e-visas for resolving the problem, he said. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Mustafizur Rahman and PM's Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan were present during the briefing.  

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday said the state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India reflects the depth of the Bangladesh-India Maitri (friendship). PM Hasina is the first state guest in India's new term shows the importance they attach to the Bangladesh-India relationship, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bangladesh lies at the intersection of their Neighborhood First, Act East, SAGAR and Indo-Pacific policies. "Being truly good neighbors, our ties are consolidating traditional areas and covering new ground," Jaishankar said in a message shared from X, formerly known as Twitter. The documents signed today show the breadth of the bonds, he said. "From seas to space, digital, green and health, military, rail and disaster, our two countries are collaborating across all avenues of human endeavor," said Jaishankar. He said he is confident that under PM Narendra Modi and PM Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh-India partnership will keep growing from strength to strength. A Quick Look on Outcomes 1. Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Digital Partnership 2. Shared Vision for India-Bangladesh Green Partnership 3. MoU on Maritime Cooperation and Blue Economy 4. MoU between In-Space and Bangladesh’s Ministry of ICT and Telecom 5. MoU between Ministry of Railways, Government of India and Ministry of Railways, Government of Bangladesh for railway connectivity 6. MoU for Cooperation in Oceanography between Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) and India’s National Institute of Oceanographic Institute (NIO) under CSIR 7. MoU between Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington and Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Mirpur for cooperation concerning Military education in the field of strategic and operational studies 8. Renewal of MoU for cooperation in Health and Medicine 9. Renewal of MoU between NDMA and Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief for cooperation in the field of Disaster Management, Resilience and Mitigation 10. Renewal of MoU for cooperation in Fisheries. Announcements: (i) e- visa for Medical Patients from Bangladesh (ii) New Assistant High Commission of India in Rangpur in Bangladesh (iii) New train service between Rajshahi and Kolkata (iv) New bus service between Chittagong and Kolkata (v) Commencement of goods train services between Gede-Darsana and Haldibari-Chilahati upto Dalgaon (vi) Construction of Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Sirajganj under grant assistance (vii) Commencement of export of 40 MW of power from Nepal to Bangladesh through Indian grid (viii) Joint Technical Committee for discussions on renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty (ix) Visit of technical delegation to Bangladesh for project on conservation and management of Teesta River inside Bangladesh (x) 350 training slots for Bangladeshi police officers (xi) Muktijoddha Scheme for medical patients with an upper ceiling of 8 lakh per patient.  

Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, on Saturday stressed the need for collaboration among Member States for promoting an open, safe and inclusive digital landscape. He emphasized that the regional consultation on Global Digital Compact (GDC) inaugurated in Dhaka should help better understand the challenges that countries face in dealing with emerging technologies, digital economy and cyber security, etc. BIMSTEC Secretary General visits Bhutan, highlights regional cooperation  He thanked the UN Secretary General and his Envoy on Technology for launching the idea of GDC and working on its adoption during the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024. Regional Consultation on Global Digital Compact (GDC), jointly organized by Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretariat, was inaugurated in Dhaka on Saturday. BIMSTEC Secretary General congratulates India's PM Narendra Modi Speaking as the chief guest at the opening of the regional consultation, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, MP, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, highlighted the importance attached to GDC by Bangladesh in the context of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision for a “Smart Bangladesh”. He underscored the need for enhanced access to digital infrastructures and the economy by fostering inclusivity and innovation toward leaving no one behind. PM's Energy Adviser urges BIMSTEC members to collaborate for regional progress He urged BIMSTEC Member States to work together on addressing disparities in access to digital technology within and among countries. The two-day event, which will close on June 23, aims to identify and promote shared objectives and relevant priorities towards facilitating a unified voice in the ongoing negotiations on GDC at the UN in New York. The consultation involves relevant government officials/ experts from BIMSTEC Member States as well as representatives from UN-ESCAP and BIMSTEC Secretariat. Ambassador Abdul Motaleb Sarker, Director General (SAARC & BIMSTEC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh outlined some areas of mutual interest within GDC for BIMSTEC Member States. He also mentioned certain issues that the Bangladesh delegation has so far suggested incorporating in the Global Compact. Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) expressed hope that the consultation would find ways to ensure an inclusive, safe and equitablefuture and drive innovation within the ICT industry through the active participation of the private sector and other stakeholders. The two-day consultation consists of five technical sessions where BIMSTEC Member States will have an opportunity to discuss priorities concerning five key GDC objectives, leveraging the region’s collaborations and efforts to ensure a secure digital environment and promote sustainable technological advancement.