United News of Bangladesh

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said there are many opportunities to work more on renewables in a country like Bangladesh which has a low amount of renewable capacity. He said it does mean that the opportunity is there to expand renewable energy facilities quickly, and they have both experience in the European Union and financing available. "We think there's a scope to work with Bangladesh on air quality and air pollution. But, the big investment that I would want to talk about is in renewable energy," Ambassador Miller told UNB in an interview at his Embassy office. Between 2021 and 2027, Team Europe will mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities. Ambassador Miller said they had a Global Gateway Forum last year which mobilized 400 million euros as a facility from credit to help build essentially - it is building power plants, building stable grids infrastructure, and it is building interconnections. "I think it's just such an obvious area (climate change) where our partnership can be imbued with substance. So we are doing lots of work in terms of financing the environmental upgrade of the textile sector," said the Head of Delegation of the EU in Dhaka. EU eyes right process towards Bangladesh polls; also mindful of rule of law For example, Ambassador Miller said they are working very specifically on decarbonizing the brick industry, which is a huge polluter. Talking about Global Gateway, he said it is an approach to building secure and open and trusted networks. When there would be a possibility to promote cooperation with neighbours, cooperation with Nepal, for example, then these are areas where they would want to explore, said the EU envoy. "It's huge that we have the same agenda because of the climate vulnerability of this country, and because we are extremely committed to combating climate change," Miller said. In Brussels, he said, there is a huge political transition and hopefully by the middle of November, they will have a new college (of the European Commission).   "But that political transition is just going to confirm how important it is for us to take climate action," he added. Ambassador Miller said that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is a political "rock star" with access to everywhere. EU wants to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh "Everyone listens to what he says, and it is something that Bangladesh can build upon. And for me, the approach is to deepen the partnership we have," he said. The EU thinks their engagement on all aspects of climate change will only get stronger in the coming years in line with their shared conviction about the importance of climate mitigation and adaptation. Ambassador Miller recently met Environment, Forests, Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. They exchanged views on innovative initiatives to address climate change and preparations for the upcoming COP29.  Besides, environmental and social compliance in the RMG, leather, and brick sectors was discussed during their meeting. The EU reaffirmed its readiness to assist the interim government in achieving its reform objectives. "The European Union has been a key partner in Bangladesh's efforts to combat climate change and protect our rich biodiversity," said Rizwana Hasan. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Managing climate risks has been central to Bangladesh’s development story, according to the World Bank. Today, Bangladesh is recognised as a global leader in climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness. But, the World Bank says the country continues to face severe and increasing climate risks, and without strong action, climate change will undermine Bangladesh’s strong development trajectory and the poorest will be hardest hit.

The government of Thailand has decided to introduce e-visa facilities for Bangladesh passport holders traveling to Thailand. Bangladeshi travelers may avail of this service from early next year. The Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Ambassador Worawoot Pongprapant, shared this information during a meeting held recently with a delegation from the Embassy of Bangladesh, led by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand. Once the e-visa system is introduced, Bangladeshi passport holders will be able to apply for a Thai visa online from home, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok. This service has already been introduced through 69 Thai embassies globally. The Director-General also mentioned that from December 19, 2024, visa waiver will be operationalized for official passport holders of both countries. India restores e-visa services for Canadian nationals, easing diplomatic row between the 2 countries The related agreement, signed in Bangkok in April 2024, will take effect on that day. Notably, visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders have been in place since 2018. Ambassador Pongprapant advised Bangladeshi passport holders interested in long-term medical treatment in Thailand to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The DTV, which also covers the attendee’s visa, is valid for five years with each entry for six months. In this case, no recommendation letter from the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok will be required by Thai Immigration authorities for visa extension. The Thai Director General noted that some Bangladeshi applicants have been found to have submitted fake or falsified documents with their visa applications, leading to delay in visa processing. The DG added that if this trend continued, the Thai authorities would be compelled to blacklist the relevant applicants. He advised applicants to exercise caution in this regard, especially when applying through an agent.

Indian Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will inaugurate the passenger terminal building and “Maitri Dwar” at the Patrapole land port in West Bengal on Sunday. Benapole (Bangladesh)-Petrapole (India) is one of the most important land border crossings for Bangladesh and India both in terms of trade and passenger movement. Maitri Dwar is a joint cargo gate at zero line agreed by both the countries is expected to significantly accelerate release and clearance of goods at the border, thereby enhancing trade efficiency. Nearly 70 percent of land-based trade (by value) between India and Bangladesh takes place through this land port. Bangladesh condemns terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara Petrapole land port is also the eighth largest international immigration port of India and facilitates movement of over 23.5 lakh passengers annually between India and Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided the land port authority of India a new momentum, direction and dimension to take forward our cultural and trade relations with all South Asian countries. Petrapole land port is the largest land port in South Asia and it is a vital gateway for trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh. The new passenger terminal building at Petrapole is a significant addition to the region's infrastructure, set to enhance the travel experience between India and Bangladesh, said the Indian government. With its robust construction and advanced technological systems, the terminal promises safety, efficiency, and comfort for all users. Designed to reflect the grandeur of international transport hubs, the PTB at Petrapole is equipped with all modern facilities such as VIP lounges, Duty free shop, Basis medical facility, Infant/baby feeding Room, Food and beverages outlets etc. It has passenger handling capacity of 20,000 per day, and will house immigration, customs, and security services under one roof. It is built on an area of 59,800 square meters with the implementation of automated entry and exit systems through flap barrier integration. Foreign Secretary to lead Bangladesh delegation at BRICS Summit in Kazan This ambitious project is set to redefine infrastructure and service standards, enhancing the travel experience between India and Bangladesh and positioning itself as a pivotal hub in Asia. In response to the daily cross-border traffic movement at Land Port Petrapole, which sees approximately 600-700 trucks per day, LPAI established a new common second cargo gate named Maitri Dwar along the India-Bangladesh border. This dedicated gate for cargo movement is aimed at easing and streamlining the flow of goods between the two nations, according to the Press Information Bureau of India.

Acknowledging the broader support and popularity of the interim government, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said there has to be democratic elections at the end of the process, leading to a new parliament and a government with people’s mandate staying mindful of the “rule of law and respect” for fundamental rights. “For us, these are principles that are at the core of the relationship between the European Union and Bangladesh,” the Head of the EU Delegation told UNB in his first interview after his arrival in Dhaka, noting that the ambition is “sky high” while the changes are always “difficult”. The Bangladesh-EU partnership is seen as fast-evolving and dynamic; and last year, two sides celebrated 50 years of relations. Ambassador Miller said the popularity of the Chief Adviser and interim government is very clear and the sense of common support across party lines is really very strong. He said it is a difficult moment and perhaps not everything - not all reforms - can happen all at once but there has to be delivery of some “quick wins”. Ambassador Miller said the government has to demonstrate that it is able to take forward reforms. “The ambition is sky high. The pressure from the street is extremely strong and somewhere here there has to be delivery of some quick wins which can still be structural in nature.”

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey A Ryabkov has pledged to advance the “matured” relations with Bangladesh to a new height. The Deputy Foreign Minister thanked the government of Bangladesh for its renewed commitment to remain engaged with the BRICS process. He assured that the Russian government will support Bangladesh for a greater role in the bloc during its future expansion, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The issues were discussed when Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin, held a bilateral meeting with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. During the meeting, both sides discussed areas of mutual interest and cooperation, with a focus on further strengthening the relations between the two countries. The discussions also featured holding the next Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Moscow, Russia. The Foreign Secretary highlighted the historical ties between Bangladesh and Russia and underscored the importance of cooperation in the areas of energy and food security between two countries.

Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller has said Denmark is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth, particularly through partnerships in renewable energy, shipping, and logistics. “Bangladesh offers enormous untapped potential. But to realize those potentials, foreign investors need to be attracted by providing a conducive business environment,” said the Ambassador while speaking at a panel session. In celebration of UNESCO´s recognition of Copenhagen as the World Capital of Architecture, the Embassy of Denmark hosted a three-day exhibition that ended on Thursday at Dhaka´s Edge Gallery. This recognition was awarded due to Copenhagen´s strong legacy within architecture and innovative urban development, along with its high ambitions on climate, sustainable solutions, and liveability. The exhibition was coupled with the Embassy´s flagship ´Greener Partnerships´ knowledge networking event, which delved into the business and investment climate in ´Bangladesh 2.0´; partnerships in the agrarian economy through efficient ways of reduction of food loss; and the way forward to sustainable production. The first panel session on Building Bangladesh 2.0 through Sustainable Investment had speakers from Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Mærsk Group as well as Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Copenhagen Offshore Partners.

The interim government on Thursday said there is no situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis, stressing that no other country has taken such restrictive measures. “I don’t think there is any situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis because no other country has done that,” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Bangladesh condemns terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara She said the government of Bangladesh definitely wants a good and strong relationship with India but it is important in any relationship that the both sides “listen” to each other and “understand” each other. The Adviser said the fact is that the people of Bangladesh are “unhappy” about India following the restricted policy on visa and it is definitely something that the Indian government has heard. She mentioned what India has categorically been saying - till the situation is normalised. “I don’t think there is any situation in Bangladesh that should bar any foreign country from restricting their visa for Bangladeshis because no other country has done so.” The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, however, keeps on issuing only emergency medical visas. Rizwana said it is also very important for the government of Bangladesh to note that many of the people who had committed atrocities against the students and people are reportedly in India. “They have taken shelter in India.” “Perhaps, that is what India means by change in the situation. We don’t know. Because no other country – whether it is the US, Japan or European Union – have restricted visa policy for Bangladesh,” she added that it is perhaps something that India can rethink or reconsider. Responding to a question on minority issues, the Adviser said for the first time in the history of Bangladesh that the government listened to their demands and declared a two-day holiday for Durga puja. “We have categorically said our doors are always open for dialogue and discussions as they have other issues,” Rizwana said. She said if they opt for street agitations it indicates there is still need for more dialogue and discussion. “I strongly believe anything can amicably be dissolved through discussion.” Rizwana said she does not think any street demonstration is required and if there is any solution that has to come, that has to come from the government of Bangladesh and no other government will be able to do that. “Our doors are always open.” Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity and a thriving planet; stressing that hope is not enough in today’s troubled world. “Hope requires all countries working as one. Hope requires the United Nations. On United Nations Day, I call on all countries to keep this beacon for the world, and its ideals shining,” he said in a message marking the United Nations Day being observed on October 24. The United Nations was built by the world, for the world, he said, adding that since 1945, it has been the place for countries to unite behind global solutions to global problems. “Solutions that ease tensions build bridges and forge peace. Solutions to eradicate poverty, spur sustainable development, and stand up for the most vulnerable,” said the UN chief. He talked about the solutions that deliver lifesaving relief to people living through conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters and solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls. “Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space,” he mentioned. In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. “Together, these milestone agreements will help ensure that the United Nations system adapts, reforms and rejuvenates, so it is fit for the changes and challenges around us and delivers solutions for all,” said the UN chief. “But our work will always be rooted in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and in the dignity and human rights of every person,” he added. United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

The Washington Post, an American English newspaper, has confirmed that the report circulated on social media about Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the name of the newspaper is completely false and fabricated.  “Recently, in an attempt to mislead the public, a malicious group has spread a fake report on social media about the Chief Adviser in the name of the Washington Post. The Washington Post has confirmed to the Chief Adviser's press wing that the report is completely false and fabricated,” said CA’s press wing fact-checkers. Everyone has been urged not to be misled by any kind of rumor. The Chief Adviser's press wing has launched a fact-checking Facebook page to counter rumors on social media. The press wing also trashed a claim on social media that the President invited all political parties for a dialogue. “The information mentioned in the post is not correct. The President's press wing has confirmed the matter. Everyone is urged not to be misled by any kind of rumors,” reads a message by the fact-checking Facebook page.  

An education fair titled “US University Fair” will be held at the EMK Center on Monday which will provide a platform to discuss study opportunities in the United States for the Bangladeshi students. This event is seen as a “unique opportunity” for Bangladeshi students to engage directly with US university representatives, learn about admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and receive tips on submitting a dynamic and comprehensive application. The US Embassy, through its official EducationUSA platform, is hosting the fair which will continue from 4:30pm to 7pm. EducationUSA will organize this mini college fair in partnership with EdPrograms, an organization dedicated to promoting international education through short-term immersion programs and university recruitment tours. Ten US University representatives from Central Michigan University, DePauw University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Iowa State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, New York Institute of Technology, The University of Arizona, University at Buffalo (The State University of New York), University of Kansas, and University of South Dakota will participate in the mini-fair, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. Registration by October 26 is mandatory: https://forms.gle/XfDa5UzDDmbJvgvL6