United News of Bangladesh

The White House has ruled out any involvement of the United States behind the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government, stressing that it is false. "So, we have had no involvement at all. Any — any reports or rumors that the United States government was involved in these — in these events is simply, simply false. That is not true," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a press briefing on August 12. She said this is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. "We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand," said the White House press secretary. Read more: UN calls for inclusive and transparent parliamentary election in Bangladesh "Any allegations, certainly, we will continue to say, and I have said here, is simply not true," she added. A journalist mentioned that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reported to allies that she was thrown out — or forced to be out of power because U.S. wanted to have one of the islands given to them - the United States of America. And since — because they didn’t agree to it, she was forced to resign, the questioner mentioned. She said they are going to continue to monitor the situation. Respinding to a question on Hindu community, the press secretary said when it comes to any type of human rights issues here, the US president is always — has been very consistent in speaking loud and clear in public and also privately. Read more: No reason to get affected ties with India: Foreign Affairs Adviser "Don’t have anything — and he’ll continue to do that, but don’t have any specific engagement to speak to at this time," she said.

The United Nations has urged the interim government to continue to make every effort to be inclusive, including by taking into account the voices of women, youth, and people across the country, as well as that of minority and indigenous communities, as the country moves towards parliamentary elections. "The Secretary-General welcomes efforts to restore calm and organize parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, with the support of an interim government," said Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq in a statement. The Secretary-General stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and calls for the full respect of their human rights, he said. The UN chief continues to underscore the need for a full, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all acts of violence, said his deputy spokesperson. In separate media briefing, the UN Deputy Spokesman said they are in touch with the current transitional body (interim government), and hoped that there will continue to be an open, inclusive process of government formation and that there can be a "quick timetable for the restoration of democratic rule." He said they are against all attacks on journalists anywhere for any reason. "And we are alarmed at the reports of attacks that have taken place," he mentioned while responding to a question.

On the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to International Humanitarian Law as enshrined in these four conventions and their two protocols. Bangladesh remains vocal about grave breaches of International Humanitarian Law anywhere in the world and will continue to take a principled position against mass atrocity crimes committed under any circumstances, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. The recent mass uprising by the students and people has once again attested to Bangladesh’s unflinching commitment to the principles of International Humanitarian Law, it said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday said bilateral relations is a big thing and emphasised that the relations with India will remain unhurt if former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay there prolongs.  “This is a hypothetical question. If someone stays in a country why the relations with that particular country will be affected. There is no reason for that,” he said, adding that bilateral relations is a big matter. The adviser made the remarks when a journalist wanted to know whether bilateral relations with India will be affected if Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India gets prolonged. Hossain said bilateral relations is a relations of interest and friendship is also for interest. “Friendship does not exist if the interest is hurt.” He said the two sides – Bangladesh and India – have interests and they will follow those interests. Hossain said they will always try to maintain good relations with India. Earlier, he briefed the diplomats stationed in Dhaka at the same venue where Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, among others, was present. Hossain also said they are not abandoning any commitment with any country as those commitments were made by Bangladesh. India said they do not have an update on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s plans and it would not be appropriate at this point in time to comment on her plans. “As far as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is concerned, I told you that we don't have an update on her plans. It is for her to take things forward,” official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has clearly stated in his suo motu statement in Parliament that the approval for former Prime Minister Hasina to come to India was given at a short notice. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy trashed media reports attributing a message to party workers or resignation statement from his mother, that appeared in the Indian media. "The recent resignation statement attributed to my mother published in a newspaper is completely false and fabricated," Joy said in a short message through X, formerly known as Twitter. "I have just confirmed with her that she did not make any statement either before or since leaving Dhaka," he added. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Sheikh Hasina resigned, and her resignation letter is with the President. "This information has been confirmed. Rest I cannot tell you. Cabinet Division is the final custodian of such resignation. You may know from there tomorrow," he told reporters, referring to what he was informed at the Advisory Council meeting.

Assuring safety and security of diplomats, the interim government has sought the international community’s support as they embark on charting a new future for Bangladesh. “We believe that all our friends and partners in the international community would continue to stand by the interim government and our people as we embark on charting a new future for Bangladesh,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told diplomats stationed in Dhaka during a briefing at state guesthouse Padma. He said they can assure that the safety and security of the diplomatic and consular premises and persons will remain one of their core priorities.  “We also remain sensitized to the need to ensure protection of all foreign citizens residing in our territory,” Hossain said. He said the government has taken quick and decisive measures to restore law and order and bring back normalcy.  “It is pledge-bound to ensure safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them,” said the adviser. Adviser Hossain said the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order situation. “We are working on creating an environment conducive to resumption of the full-fledged operations by the police force. The patriotic armed forces will continue to serve the nation with its hallmark responsibility as the situation warrants,” he said. Some of the diplomats wanted to know about security measures and Rohingya issues apart from issues related to the prevailing situation. Emerging from the briefing, one of the diplomats told UNB that the main discussion was centered on the present situation of Bangladesh. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen termed the present condition of Bangladesh as its internal affair.  "It is the internal affairs of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that China welcomes the formation of the interim government. “China will continue to work with Bangladesh," the Ambassador told reporters after the meeting. The adviser said one of the diplomats expressed his desire to see the representation of youths in the future elected government. He conveyed to the diplomats that the interim government is very serious about human rights issues. The adviser referred to the inclusion of advisers who have track records of working on human rights issues. He said they shared the objectives of the interim government and explained the context of forming the interim government. The Rohingya issue was also discussed in the briefing. To reflect the desire of the people, including the youth, the government is committed to working on essential policy and institutional reforms towards ensuring a democratic and prosperous future for the country, said the adviser.   “We remain mindful of the pressing demand for security sector reform,” he added. Hossain said the interim government remains committed to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.  “The government is committed to upholding the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of press, including in the cyber domain,” he said, adding that it will make sincere efforts on promoting national reconciliation through inclusive dialogue and accountability.  In a drastically changed scenario, Hossain said, all political parties are now free to voice their views and opinions. The interim government makes it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all deaths and violences committed during the recent mass uprising through nationally-led, independent investigation and judicial processes.  In the process, the government shall remain engaged with relevant international partners, including the UN, to avail itself of appropriate support for facilitating such processes in a sound and seamless manner, he said. “As part of our renewed nation-building efforts, Bangladesh would need the unstinting support and cooperation of the international community. The interim government appreciates the positive and constructive remarks of our international partners after its formation,” he said. The government affirms that it will nurture friendly relations with all countries in the spirit of mutual respect, understanding and shared interests, he said. The adviser affirmed that the government shall uphold and promote all its international legal obligations, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.  He said the government will continue supporting the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. “We seek continued support of the international community in Rohingya humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.” “The multifaceted challenges the government is faced with include, among others, restoring macroeconomic stability and good governance,” said the adviser. The interim government will give particular attention to far-reaching financial sector reform, with priority attached to combating corruption, mismanagement and anomalies, he said. “We feel encouraged to see some early signs of renewed confidence in the market in the aftermath of the uprising.” The government urged all the development partners, including the multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions, to extend meaningful support to Bangladesh to help tide over the economic challenges.  The government called upon international trade and investment partners to maintain their trust in Bangladesh, and work in partnership with Bangladesh to help improve the labour sector, environmental standards and logistics efficiency.  The adviser said it would be their role in the government to allow the young people to build a new Bangladesh following their dreams. “The government will remain focused on a smooth transition to inclusive and pluralistic electoral democracy as soon as possible.” “We remain confident of the innate resilience of our people, along with their yearning for true emancipation and freedom. The interim government stands pledge-bound to live up to the people’s renewed expectations in the wake of the nation’s second liberation,” said the adviser. 

The interim government will brief the diplomats stationed in Dhaka this afternoon (Monday) at state guesthouse Padma highlighting the current situation and steps taken so far to get back to normalcy. The briefing is scheduled to begin at 3pm. Foreign Affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain will brief the diplomats on behalf of the government, a senior official told UNB. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will also attend. This is going to be the first briefing for the diplomats stationed in Dhaka after the formation of an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Foreign Affairs adviser is scheduled to talk to the media at 4pm at Padma after the briefing.

Bangladesh and other countries in South Asia recorded the lowest youth unemployment rates in 15 years in 2023, but the unemployment rate of 15.1 per cent is historically the region’s highest, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report. This is characterized by high rates of youth not in employment, education, and training (NEET), due to lack of equal opportunities or access to training and jobs and because of exclusion of young women from schooling and employment opportunities. The NEET rate among young women in the subregion was nearly four times greater than the rate of young men, at 42.4 per cent and 11.5 per cent, respectively, in 2023. At 31 percentage points, this marks the largest gender gap in youth NEET rates across the world. This global report comes at a critical time when Bangladesh is undergoing a major political transition. “Bangladesh is a nation defined by its youth,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director for Bangladesh. “We believe the report's findings and recommendations will be helpful in shaping an environment for a better future for youths in Bangladesh, aligning with the ‘Zero Unemployment’priority of the interim government,” he said. With approximately two million young people entering the labour force annually and more than a quarter of the population (25.81 per cent) within the 15-29 age group, Bangladesh holds immense potential to harness the benefits of a demographic dividend. Notably, 36.7 per cent of the total labour force falls within this age bracket, underscoring the country’s capacity for future growth. “The ILO stands ready to provide technical support to Bangladesh in pursuing practical actions to make inclusive, full, and productive employment a reality,” Poutiainen added. The global labour market outlook for young people has improved in the last four years, and the upward trend is expected to continue for two more, according the report. However, the report, titled Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 (GET for Youth), cautions that the number of 15- to 24-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) is concerning, and that the post-COVID 19 pandemic employment recovery has not been universal. Young people in certain regions and many young women are not seeing the benefits of the economic recovery. The 2023 youth unemployment rate globally, at 13 per cent, equivalent to 64.9 million people, represents a 15-year low and a fall from the pre-pandemic rate of 13.8 per cent in 2019. It is expected to fall further to 12.8 per cent this year and next. The picture, however, is not the same across regions. In the Arab States, East Asia and South-East Asia and the Pacific, youth unemployment rates were higher in 2023 than in 2019. The GET for Youth also cautions that young people face other “headwinds” in finding success in the world of work. It notes that too many young people across the globe are NEET and opportunities to access decent jobs remain limited in emerging and developing economies. One in five young people, or 20.4 per cent, globally were NEET in 2023. Two in three of these NEETs were female. For the youth who do work, the report notes the lack of progress in gaining decent jobs. Globally, more than half of young workers are in informal employment. Only in high- and upper-middleincome economies are the majority of young workers today in a regular, secure job. And three in four young workers in low-income countries will get only a self-employed or temporary paid job. The report cautions that the continuing high NEET rates and insufficient growth of decent jobs are causing growing anxiety among today’s youth, who are also the most educated youth cohort ever. “None of us can look forward to a stable future when millions of young people around the world do not have decent work and as a result, are feeling insecure and unable to build a better life for themselves and their families. Peaceful societies rely on three core ingredients: stability, inclusion, and social justice; and decent work for the youth is at the heart of all three,” explained Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General. Moreover, the report finds that young men have benefited more from the labour market recovery than young women. The youth unemployment rates of young women and young men in 2023 were nearly equal (at 12.9 per cent for young women and 13 per cent for young men), unlike the prepandemic years when the rate for young men was higher. And the global youth NEET rate of young women doubled that of young men (at 28.1 per cent and 13.1 per cent, respectively) in 2023. “The report reminds us that opportunities for young people are highly unequal; with many young women, young people with limited financial means or from any minority background still struggling. Without equal opportunities to education and decent jobs, millions of young people are missing out on their chances for a better future,” added Houngbo. The ILO report calls for greater attention on strengthening the foundations of decent work as a pathway to countering young people’s anxieties about the world of work and reinforcing their hope for a brighter future. This 12th edition of the GET for Youth marks the report’s 20-year anniversary. It looks back at what has been achieved in this century to improve young people’s working prospects and considers the future for youth employment “in an era characterized by crises and uncertainties”. Looking at longer-term trends, the report concludes that: • Growth in “modern” services and in manufacturing jobs for youth has been limited, although modernization can be brought to traditional sectors through digitalization and AI. • There are not enough high-skill jobs for the supply of educated youth, especially in middleincome countries. • Keeping skills development on pace with evolving demands for green and digital skills will be critical to reducing education mismatches. • The growing number of conflicts threatens young people’s future livelihoods and can push them into migration or towards extremism. • Demographic trends, notably the African ‘youthquake’ means creating enough decent jobs, will be critical for social justice and the global economy.  

 U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led a group of colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to impose targeted sanctions on former senior Bangladesh officials responsible for violence against peaceful student protestors. “Now is the time for bold action, not just another tepid expression of concern. Our support of fundamental human rights must apply to those in countries with which we have a friendly relationship as much as to those with which we do not,” said Rep. Doggett.  “While greatly encouraged by the naming of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the new interim government, those responsible for so much recent repression and so many deaths should be sanctioned.”   “The use of violent force against peaceful protesters exercising their freedom of expression is an unacceptable violation of human rights. The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we’re calling upon the Administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “On July 15, the ruling Awami League deployed the police and paramilitary forces to suppress students peacefully protesting unfair quotas in government jobs.  Over the next week, security forces used disproportionate, unlawful force and fired rubber bullets, pellet guns, sound grenades, tear gas, and live rounds against student protestors.  These violations were part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the Awami League, whose leaders have not been held to account for their human rights abuses.  Although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, the need for accountability remains, they said.  "We urge you to impose targeted sanctions on the Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan under all applicable authorities, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.” The lawmakers continued, “As Home Affairs Minister, Khan bears responsibility for the conduct of the police and Border Guard Bangladesh, the two agencies responsible for most of the violence. General Secretary Quader, meanwhile, sent the Awami League's student wing, the Chhatra League, to attack peaceful protesters and issued “shoot-on-sight” orders. It is estimated that at least 200 people were killed and thousands injured, with the real figures likely much higher.” Additional signers include Representatives James P. McGovern (MA-02), William R. Keating (MA-09), Al Green (TX-09), and Senator Edward Markey (MA).

Bangladesh government has strongly condemned and denounced the heinous attack on the Al-Tabeen school in Eastern Gaza on Saturday by Israeli military forces, resulting in the loss of lives of more than a hundred civilians as well as countless other casualties. Bangladesh considers this attack a grave violation of international law and fundamental human rights, demonstrating Israel’s disregard for the peace process and international initiatives aimed at stopping the aggression and violence on Gaza. “We reiterate our call upon the international community to hold those accountable for this atrocity committed. We urge for a decisive response from the United Nations and other global bodies to enforce a permanent ceasefire and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to Palestine,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a press release issued in this regard on Sunday. Bangladesh expresses its solidarity with the people of Palestine and will continue to advocate for their rights until an independent and sovereign State of Palestine is established, with East Jerusalem as its capital and Palestine is recognized as a full Member of the United Nations, it said.

Interim government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said the government will leave after holding a fair and neutral election and reiterated their pledge to take steps against the perpetrators of recent incidents. "Our key objective is to hold a fair and neutral election. Let's not speculate now," he said, without giving any idea about the tenure of the government at this moment. The foreign adviser said transparency and honesty will be ensured in each step. Responding to a question, he said they believe in balanced relations. "It does not carry any meaning if someone thinks that this interim government is only looking in a certain direction. We want to keep smooth and good relations with all." Adviser Hossain on Sunday said the new interim government wants to take Bangladesh’s friendly relations with its neighbour India in such a direction where people feel that India is a very close friend of Bangladesh. “The ties are not just between the two countries and two governments. People are very important in the overall relations of the two countries. We will try our best so that people of Bangladesh feel that India is our very close friend. We want this,” he said while responding to a question at the first media interaction at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The adviser said Bangladesh seeks India’s support as they want to take this relationship to that people-centric direction. Hossain said there is positive support from the international partners, and "their concerns are our concerns." On minority issues, the adviser said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will sit with all representatives of the minority communities soon. He hoped the law and order situation would significantly improve within a week. Asked whether the government will bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said this is an issue for the Law Ministry and they will act only if they receive any such request from it. Without mentioning any country regarding agreements, the adviser said people's expectations need to be fulfilled by making things feasible. He said the ministry of foreign affairs will immediately start consultation for release of the 57 Bangladeshis arrested and sentenced by the UAE authority for protesting in support of the Bangladeshi students and people. If needed, the chief adviser himself will talk to the concerned government, he said. Meanwhile, the list of all contractual appointments is being prepared. While some disputed and controversial contracts shall be immediately terminated, the rest shall also be terminated in phases, according to a decision of the Advisory Council. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Spokesperson at the MoFA Seheli Sabrin were present.