United News of Bangladesh

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.

Dhaka and New Delhi on Saturday signed 10 instruments including three renewed MoUs for strengthening bilateral cooperation on different sectors. The sectors include blue economy, oceanographic research, fisheries, disaster and health, space and military education. Two shared visions, five new MoUs and three renewed MoUs were exchanged in presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a bilateral meeting between the two sides at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two visions which were exchanged are Shared vision of India Bangladesh Digital Partnership; and Shared Vision of India Bangladesh Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future. The five other new documents are MoU between the Government of Bangladesh and Government of India in the Field of Blue Economy and Maritime Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and India Ocean Region; MoU between Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), Bangladesh and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India for Joint Research on Oceanography of the Indian Ocean and Capacity Building;  MoU on Rail Connectivity between India and Bangladesh; MoU between Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), and Bangladesh's Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology for Collaboration on a Joint Small Satellite Project; and MoU on Academic Cooperation between Defence Staff Colleges. Three renewed documents are MoU for Fisheries Cooperation; MoU for Disaster Management; and MoU in Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medicine. The two shared visions; MoU on maritime cooperation and blue economy; and renewed MoU in health and medicine were exchanged by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on behalf of their respective sides. The MoU on Joint Small Satellite Project was exchanged by Chairman and CEO of Bangladesh Satellite Company Dr Shahjahan Mahmood and Secretary of Indian Space Department S Somanath, while the MoU on railway connectivity by Bangladesh’s Railways Secretary Dr Md Humayun Kabir and Chairperson of Indian Railway Board Jaya Sinha. Besides, MoU for Cooperation in Oceanography, two renewed MoUs for cooperation in the disaster management and the fisheries sector were exchanged by Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman and India High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma. The final MoU between DSSC, Wellington and DSCSC Mirpur for cooperation concerning military education in the field of strategic and operational studies was exchanged by Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh’s Armed Force Division Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shameem and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma.  

Describing the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and India as very productive, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said both sides agreed to collaborate with each other for the betterment of their people and countries. “We have agreed to collaborate with each other for the betterment of our people and countries,” she said. The Bangladesh premier made the remarks in a joint press statement after a tete-e-tete and bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, as well as the signing of several instruments at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. PM Hasina pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Delhi’s Raj Ghat “Today, our two sides had very productive meetings where we discussed politics and security, trade and connectivity, the sharing of water from common rivers, power and energy, and regional and multilateral cooperation, among other issues of mutual interest,” she said. As Dhaka and Delhi have started new journeys, both countries charted the future course of action to ensure a smart Bangladesh by following Vision 2041 and Viksit Bharat by 2047, she added. India accords ceremonial reception to PM Hasina at Rastrapati Bhavan She said they concluded MoUs, renewed several of them, and made announcements for future collaboration. “Both countries endorsed the ‘Vision Statement’ to guide us towards a peaceful and prosperous future,” said Sheikh Hasina. She said Bangladesh and India agreed to have a shared vision for ‘Digital Partnership’ and ‘Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future’. Bangladesh-India relations are ever-growing at a fast pace: PM PM Hasina said this has been her first bilateral visit to any country after Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary elections and the formation of her new government in January this year. “India is our major neighbour, trusted friend, and regional partner,” she said, adding that Bangladesh greatly values the relations with India, which were born during our War of Liberation in 1971. She recollected Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2021, her previous visits to India, including her last bilateral visit to New Delhi in September 2022. Noting that she attended with other world leaders the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi earlier this month (on June 9), Sheikh Hasina said, “I am now visiting New Delhi for an unprecedented second time in the same month, June 2024.” Make investment in Bangladesh: PM Hasina urges Indian businesses She said these are testaments to our two countries’ close engagement. “Bangladesh-India relations are ever-growing at a fast pace,” she added. The Bangladesh PM said she held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they discussed the ways and means of collaborative engagement between the two countries. Noting that there is cooperation with each other on socio-economic development, Sheikh Hasina said cooperation from a large economy and country like India is very significant for Bangladesh. “We’ve been able to make a lot of progress due to this friendly relationship,” she said. The Bangladesh PM said an excellent friendly relationship prevails in this subcontinent when wars and conflicts continue in different parts of the world. She once again invited Modi to visit Bangladesh at his earliest convenience. Hasina arrived here on Friday afternoon on a two-day official visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. 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.

The British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI), the premier business organization for the Bangladeshi community in the UK, held its annual general meeting and election. The event saw the election of a new leadership committee, committed to enhancing trade relations between the UK and Bangladesh. Mohammad Belayet Hossain, a British judge, served as the Chief Election Commissioner, with Mohammed Jubair, President of the London Bangla Press Club, and Solicitor Mohammad Khaled Nur acting as Assistant Election Commissioners. Established in 1991, the BBCCI was founded with a strong commitment to fostering robust commercial relationships between the UK and Bangladesh. Many of the organization's founding members, including Founder President M.A. Rahim, Director Mahmadur Rashid, former President Enam Ali MBE, and B.R. Chowdhury, have passed away. The current committee of BBCCI paid deep respects to these late pioneers who left behind a legacy. The newly elected President of BBCCI is Rafique Haider, Director of Bangla Town Cash and Carry. Other elected members include Vice Presidents Abul Hayat Mohammad Nuruzzaman and Ataur Rahman, Director General Dewan Mahdi Chowdhury, Deputy Director General Emdad Ahmed, Finance Director Helal Uddin Khan, London Regional President Monir Ahmed, Director of International Affairs Moin Uddin, Director of Membership Md Abdul Mumin, Director of Community Affairs Ahmed Hasan, and Director of Press Publicity Misbah Ahmed. Following the election, a gala dinner was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Docklands. Outgoing President Syedur Rahman welcomed everyone, and outgoing Director General Abul Hayat Nuruzzaman hosted the event. High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, Saida Muna Tasneem, served as the chief guest. She congratulated the new President, Rafique Haider, and the entire committee. The High Commissioner highlighted the significant achievements and rich history of the Bangladeshi community in the UK, revealing that the Bangladeshi population in the UK has grown from an estimated 500,000 to nearly 700,000, making up approximately 1% of the total UK population.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, on Saturday by placing a wreath at his Samadhi in Raj Ghat. Sheikh Hasina stood in solemn silence for a while to honor the great leader of India. She also spread flower petals over the Samadhi and signed the visitor's book. Earlier, upon her arrival, the head of the Raj Ghat Samadhi welcomed her.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in New Delhi on a two-day state visit to India, was accorded a warm ceremonial reception by her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. A red carpet was rolled out for PM Hasina and national anthems of Bangladesh and India were played during the ceremony. On her arrival at the presidential palace around 9:00am, the Bangladesh prime minister was received by her host Modi. A horse mounted team of the president's bodyguards escorted her motorcade from the Rashtrapati Bhavan gate to the forecourt. Hasina was given a guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent drawn from three services of the Indian Armed Forces. PM Hasina then inspected the guard and received salute.  

Bangladesh and India are expected to see a "vision statement" from their two leaders on Saturday that will depict a picture to which direction the relations between the two neighbouring countries will move forward. "We will be be able to see the vision statement Saturday that they will give for the people of the two countries," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told Bangladeshi TV reporters in New Delhi on Friday.  He also Indicated a significant announcement regarding Teesta water conservation, management and development, noting that India is showing much interest in this area. The foreign secretary said there is issues of investment on relevant projects centering Teesta River. Though there were discussions on over a dozen of MoUs and agreements, the two countries are likely to sign nine to 10 bilateral instruments on Saturday. "It's a very important visit for us, the first state visit from the neighboring countries. Both sides have a lot of expectation because the relationship is so special and so friendly," Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.      Tomorrow (Saturday), he said, all will get more details of all the things that are there in the offing -  the discussions, MoUs, agreements - all that will be signed.  "Both sides are committed to deepen and strengthen this very special partnership that we have with Bangladesh," said the spokesperson. Jaiswal said they will have a press engagement at 3pm Saturday where a special briefing by the Indian Foreign Secretary will be done. "So you will come to know of all that we together agree to do on trade, defence and connectivity," he added.  At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is paying a two-day state visit to India.  This is the first incoming bilateral state visit to India after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections. During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with her host, Hasina is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.  Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit to India underlines their "close and abiding" ties.  "Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this (Friday) evening. Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership," he said after meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The meeting was held at the Hotel Taj Palace in the Indian capital. Jaishankar shared the message on X, formerly known as Twitter.  "Bangladesh is a key partner and trusted neighbour of India. The visit will give a major boost to this celebrated bilateral partnership," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said after arrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. Prime Minister's Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, among others, were present. Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's state visit to India underlines their "close and abiding" ties.  "Delighted to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh this (Friday) evening. Appreciate her guidance on the further development of our special partnership," he said after meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The meeting was held at the Hotel Taj Palace in the Indian capital. Jaishankar shared the message on X, formerly known as Twitter.  "Bangladesh is a key partner and trusted neighbour of India. The visit will give a major boost to this celebrated bilateral partnership," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said after arrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. Prime Minister's Private Industries and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, among others, were present. At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is paying a state visit to India on 21-22 June 2024. This is the first incoming bilateral state visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections. During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9, 2024.

India has said they are committed to “deepen and strengthen” the “very special partnership” that they have with Bangladesh as the two leaders are set to discuss all the issues on Saturday for a broader cooperation between the two neighboring countries. “It is a very important visit for us. Both sides have a lot of expectations because the relationship is so special and so friendly,” Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.      Tomorrow, he said, all will get to know the details about the discussions, MoUs and agreements that are likely to be signed. “But both sides are committed to deepen and strengthen the very special partnership,” said the MEA Spokesperson. At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on Friday as part of her two-day state visit to India. This is the first incoming bilateral state visit after the formation of the government in India following the 18th Lok Sabha elections, said the MEA spokesperson. He said there will be a post-visit press engagement and journalists will be able to know all the details on issues that the two sides would agree to do together on trade, connectivity and defence fronts.  During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Indian Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call-on Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the international leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9, 2024. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourage members landed at Palam Airport in New Delhi at 3:29pm (local time). Earlier, the flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:00pm. Indian Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and also Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman received Sheikh Hasina at the airport. The prime minister was welcomed by traditional folks dancing there. Both sides of the roads were decorated with the flags of Bangladesh and India, and placards of Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi. Various types of placards in different languages welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were seen on both sides of the roads from Palam Airport to Hotel Taj Palace. 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. PM’s Engagements in New Delhi During the visit, both the premiers will have a tête-à-tête (one to one meeting) followed by delegation level talks, and then Dhaka and New Delhi would sign several agreements and Memorandum of understandings to strengthen the existing bilateral ties further. Additionally, discussions on a potential trade pact are expected. Over the past decade, numerous cross-border initiatives have been launched as part of a robust regional partnership plan. This visit will be Hasina’s second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, as she was among the dignitaries invited to Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9. On Friday evening, Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will call on the Prime Minister at her Place of Residence. On Saturday morning, a red carpet will be rolled out at Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by her Indian counterpart through a Ceremonial Reception where the National Anthems of Bangladesh and India will be played. She will also inspect the Guard of Honour there. After that, she will go to Raj Ghat to pay tribute to the Father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at his Samadhi. She will also sign the visitor’s book there. Later on the same day, Hasina will go to Hyderabad House to hold a one-to-one meeting with Modi followed by delegation level talks. Both will witness the signing ceremony of the MoUs and agreements. After that, both the prime ministers will give their press statements. Then they will attend a luncheon hosted by PM Modi in honour of PM Hasina at Hyderabad House. In the afternoon, Hasina will call on the Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar at his Secretariat. In the evening she will call on the President of India Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At 6:00pm (Delhi time), the prime minister is expected to depart the India capital from Palam Airport, New Delhi by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which is scheduled to land in Dhaka at about 9:00pm.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived here this afternoon on a two-day state visit to India at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime minister and her entourage members landed at Palam Airport in New Delhi at 3:29pm (local time). Earlier, the flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:00pm. Indian Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and also Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirtivardhan Singh, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md. Mustafizur Rahman received Sheikh Hasina at the airport. The prime minister was welcomed by traditional folks dance there. Both sides of the roads were decorated with the flags of Bangladesh and India, and placards of Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi. Various types of placards in different languages welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were seen on the both sides of the roads from Palam Airport to Hotel Taj Palace. 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. During the visit, both the premiers will have a tête-à-tête (one to one meeting) followed by delegation level talks, and then Dhaka and New Delhi would sign several agreements and Memorandum of understandings to strengthen the existing bilateral ties further. Additionally, discussions on a potential trade pact are expected. Over the past decade, numerous cross-border initiatives have been launched as part of a robust regional partnership plan. This visit will be Hasina’s second trip to the Indian capital in less than 15 days, as she was among the dignitaries invited to Modi's swearing-in ceremony on June 9. On Friday evening, Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will call on the Prime Minister at her Place of Residence. On Saturday morning, a red carpet will be rolled out at Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by her Indian counterpart through a Ceremonial Reception where the National Anthems of Bangladesh and India will be played. She will also inspect the Guard of Honour there. After that, she will go to Raj Ghat to pay tribute to the Father of the Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi by placing a wreath at his Samadhi. She will also sign the visitor’s book there. Later on the same day, Hasina will go to Hyderabad House to hold a one-to-one meeting with Modi followed by delegation level talks. Both will witness the signing ceremony of the MoUs and agreements. After that, both the prime ministers will give their press statements. Then they will attend a luncheon hosted by PM Modi in honour of PM Hasina at Hyderabad House. In the afternoon, Hasina will call on the Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar at his Secretariat. In the evening she will call on the President of India Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At 6:00pm (Delhi time), the prime minister is expected to depart the India capital from Palam Airport, New Delhi by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, which is scheduled to land in Dhaka at about 9:00pm.