United News of Bangladesh

The United States has said there is no excuse for violence and anyone responsible for violence should be held accountable in Bangladesh. "We have made clear that there’s no excuse for violence, either conducted against those conducting peaceful protests or conducted by those protesting, and anyone that’s responsible for violence should be held accountable," said US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller. He made the remarks during a regular media briefing in Washington on October 16 when a journalist drew his attention to the latest government decision and claimed that over "3000" police personnel were killed between August 5 and 8 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The interim government has said no cases can be filed against students and people who actively participated in the mass upsurge in July-August, apparently giving impunity to those who carried out attacks even after the fall of  the Hasina-led government on August 5. US warns Israel to boost humanitarian aid into Gaza or risk weapons funding The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement said there will be no cases, arrests or harassment for the events related to the July uprising, organized from July 15 to August 8. Chairperson of human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) Z.I. Khan Panna told BBC Bangla that there is no chance of impunity for criminal offences. “All the efforts that are going on now are illegal,” he said. "A new journey started to build a new Bangladesh free of discrimination through the fall of the autocratic and fascist government in the mass uprising of the students-people on August 5. The students and people actively worked for it on the grounds of movement to make this a success; there will be no cases, arrests or harassment for incidents related to the July mass uprising from July 15 to August 8,” said the Home Ministry. Responding to a question on an Islamic song sung at a puja mandap during the recent Durga Puja, Miller said obviously they are committed to religious freedom in Bangladesh and elsewhere. "With regard to that specific incident, I’ll take it back and get you an answer," he said.  

The government has taken an initiative to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshis in phases, who got stuck in troubled Lebanon, with the first batch's likely arrival on October 21. The first batch may consist of at least 50 Bangladeshis, including injured, women, and children, an official told UNB, adding that they may come to Dhaka via Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Around 1,800 Bangladeshis have already shown interest to return and got enrolled with the Bangladesh Embassy. Israeli strikes kill at least 15 in Qana, Lebanon The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment are working together for the return of Bangladeshis trapped in war-torn Lebanon. The government is working closely with all concerned to bring back all the Bangladeshis who wish to return from Lebanon safely, said the foreign ministry. Earlier, an inter-ministerial meeting was held with the participation of Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Expatriates’ Welfare Secretary Md Ruhul Amin and Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman. Bangladesh mission heads assigned to the Middle East joined the meeting on the Zoom platform. Steps taken to ensure safe return of Bangladeshis from war-hit Lebanon: MoFA The Foreign Secretary has issued necessary instructions to the Bangladeshi ambassador in Lebanon to take necessary measures for the safe return of the stranded Bangladeshis. He also gave necessary instructions to ensure the safety of all the expatriate Bangladeshis staying there who do not wish to return to the country. A notification was issued to enroll Bangladeshis who wish to return from the embassy and initially about a thousand migrant workers are said to be willing to return home.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday expressed “deep concern” over the recent influx of more than 40,000 Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh fleeing conflict in the bordering states. “Regional stability is crucial for both the nations,” the Adviser emphasized when Ambassador of Myanmar to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe paid a maiden call on the Foreign Adviser at the latter's office. The Foreign Adviser reiterated the need for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population, underscoring the importance of peace and stability in Myanmar. During the meeting, they discussed a range of bilateral issues including sustainable repatriation of Rohingya people. Hossain stressed that Bangladesh and Myanmar, being two close neighbours, have certain challenges in the bilateral relations that need to be resolved on a priority basis. The Myanmar Ambassador acknowledged the difficulties caused by the conflict, explaining that efforts toward the repatriation of displaced persons had been delayed due to the ceasefire breakdown by the Arakan Army in November 2023. Read: Bangladesh protests killing of Bangladeshi fisherman by Myanmar Navy The Foreign Adviser expressed hope that the Myanmar government and other key players would soon engage in constructive dialogue to address the crisis. He highlighted the security concerns stemming from the volatile border situation such as rise in human trafficking. Adviser Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with South-East Asian Countries, where Myanmar is a vital gateway. He sought Myanmar’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a part of ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue. They also discussed strengthening bilateral trade, increasing people-to-people contact, and the potential resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Yangon. They emphasized finalizing the coastal shipping agreement currently under negotiation between the two countries. Read more: Myanmar deports over 50,000 illegal foreigners Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe conveyed his government’s gratitude to Bangladesh for providing shelter, food, and medical support to Myanmar troops, as well as facilitating their repatriation after they had recently crossed into Bangladesh amidst the ongoing conflict in Rakhine.

Non-Resident High Commissioner of Ghana to Bangladesh Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh has paid a farewell call-on to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban.  The meeting, held on Tuesday, signified the end of Cheremeh’s three-year term as High Commissioner for Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Shahabuddin expressed sincere appreciation for the high commissioner’s endeavors in nurturing robust and friendly ties between Bangladesh and Ghana.  Dhaka keen to enhance bilateral cooperation with Tripoli He recognized the positive development of the relationship between the two countries during High Commissioner Cheremeh’s time in office and highlighted the significance of ongoing cooperation in the shared areas of interest.

Bangladesh has thanked the Libyan government for resolving the outstanding payments of some of the Bangladeshi health professionals and expressed hope that the case will be resolved for the rest of the health professionals, as soon as possible. Ambassador of the State of Libya to Bangladesh Abdulmutalib S M Suliman paid a courtesy call on Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Discussions during the meeting encompassed a wide range of topics, underscoring the potential for multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.  Keen to work closely with Bangladesh to further strengthen "excellent" bilateral relations: South Korean Envoy Both parties expressed interest in exploring avenues for collaboration in key areas such as the export of human resources from Bangladesh to Libya, addressing the challenges of irregular migration, and supporting Bangladesh’s candidacies in various multilateral fora, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Libya, with a shared vision for future growth and cooperation. The ambassador extended his heartfelt congratulations to the foreign adviser on assuming his esteemed role in the Interim government of Bangladesh.  He expressed optimism for the continued enhancement of bilateral relations, particularly in light of the forthcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Libya.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Bangladesh Park Young-sik had paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain and expressed his willingness to work closely with Bangladesh to further strengthen the "excellent" bilateral relations between the two countries.  During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, various issues of mutual interest were discussed including trade and investment, development cooperation, ready-made garments sector, EPS workers, people-to people exchange, Rohingya issue and others.  The ambassador  congratulated the foreign affairs adviser on assuming the new position. The adviser thanked the South Korean government for the positive remarks towards the newly formed interim government and putting confidence in the ability of the government in restoring peace and stability in the country, said the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs.  EU wants to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh He expressed satisfaction on the existing bilateral relations and recent upward trend of the volume of bilateral trade between the two friendly countries.  The adviser appreciated Seoul for continuously being one of the major foreign investors in Bangladesh.  Both sides expressed satisfaction for maintaining close cooperation on the international arena, to uphold global peace and security, promote free trade and fight the adverse effects of climate change and supporting each other in international fora.  The adviser also thanked the South Korean government for extending humanitarian support to the Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin had a series of meetings with the UN high officials and highlighted the interim government's priority of recovering stolen assets. He called for the UN’s cooperation in addressing tax evasion and combating illicit financial flows. Regarding Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for continued international support during both the transition and post-graduation phases. Acknowledging the challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to the global economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global conflicts, he sought stronger support from the UN System, including through development cooperation facilitated by the Resident Coordinator’s Office. He also expressed appreciation that the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) will serve as the implementing body for the recent Bangladesh-led UN General Assembly resolution declaring May 6 as Rural Development Day. The Foreign Secretary met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua in the UN Headquarters in New York on October 14. During discussion, he briefed the Under-Secretary-General on the ongoing reform process in Bangladesh currently being undertaken by the interim government, reflecting the aspirations of the “July-August Revolution”. Jashim emphasized the importance of the UN’s technical and policy support in advancing the government’s reform agenda, particularly in enhancing accountability and transparency, building on the five decades of partnership between the UN and Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. USG Junhua appreciated Bangladesh’s current chairmanship in the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly and assured all out support from the Secretariat. Read: FS holds fruitful talks on UN support in transparency and accountability He told the Foreign Secretary that DESA would be happy to assist Bangladesh in the reform process, especially through their tools for public institution capacity building and digital governance. He stated that the LDC graduation should indeed be considered a new starting point, and the graduated countries should continue to benefit from preferential arrangements. Concerning SDG implementation, he underscored the importance of the upcoming Fourth International Conference to be held in 2025 in Spain; during which efforts would be made to reinvigorate the global development assistance, including through innovative financing, ensuring debt sustainability and the reform of the international financial institutions. The Foreign Secretary also met Selwin Charles Hart, UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s call for the full implementation of the Paris Agreement, including ensuring adequate climate finance as promised. Read more: Meeting with FS in NY: UN reaffirms support for Bangladesh's reform initiatives

Newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday said the EU wants to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh with more investment, and support Bangladesh’s transition after LDC graduation. He also conveyed EU’s readiness to support the reform agenda of the interim government. Noting the recent students-led mass uprising as an unprecedented opportunity for change, the Ambassador offered EU’s all-out cooperation in this transition and reform, including in human rights and good governance and the democratic process. EU announces new humanitarian aid package for Bangladesh, others While paying an introductory courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the Ambassador mentioned that the EU wants to diversify trade relations with Bangladesh with more investment and support Bangladesh’s transition after its LDC graduation. The Foreign Adviser welcomed EU’s offer of assistance and assured creating a better business environment for strengthening Bangladesh-EU trade and investment relations. Terming the relations between Bangladesh and the EU as vibrant and important, the Adviser requested for EU’s assistance in health and education sectors with particular emphasis on improving technical and vocational training institutes. He underlined the need for assistance in recovering stolen assets deposited abroad by some Bangladeshi nationals. The EU Ambassador offered technical assistance in this regard. The Ambassador informed about EIB’s ongoing investment of 900 million Euro in the rail, energy, water and health sectors of Bangladesh and expressed EIB’s readiness to enhance EIB’s investment portfolio in Bangladesh. Bangladesh needs election-time neutral govt for fair polls: Speakers  The Adviser and the EU Ambassador appreciated the upcoming discussion on Partnership and Cooperation Agreement towards elevating the Bangladesh-EU relations to a new height.   The Ambassador reaffirmed continued assistance of the EU for the Rohingya in Bangladesh and the host community in Cox’s Bazar. The Foreign Adviser and the EU Ambassador noted that the return of the Rohingya to their homeland Myanmar with rights and safety is the only sustainable solution to the protracted crisis. Ukraine's Zelenskyy city-hops across Europe, promoting 'victory plan' to allies  

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Excelerate Energy Steven Kobos on Tuesday said there has been a lot of interest in Bangladesh from American companies and his company has planned to invest more in the country's energy sector and decarbonisation. The company wants to scale up and ensure smooth supply of Liquefied Natural Gas to the country, he said. Kobos, also the chairman of the US-Bangladesh Business Council, hailed the Chief Adviser for assuming the leadership of the Interim Government, saying it will increase business confidence in Bangladesh. "There has been a lot of interest in Bangladesh from American companies since you took over," Kobos said, adding some of the top US companies, including members of the US-Bangladesh Business Council, were excited about business prospects in the South Asian country. Russian Ambassador, Foreign Adviser discuss strengthening ties in energy, trade, and food security Excelerate currently has investment in two offshore Floating Storage and Regasification Units in Bangladesh, which supply 1.1 billion cubic feet, accounting for some 34 percent of the country's daily gas supply. Prof Yunus welcomed more US investment in Bangladesh, saying his government has taken steps to attract foreign direct investment and improve the business climate in the country, according to CA’s press wing. "You have come at the right time here," Prof Yunus told Kobos and his business delegation. During his recent visit to the US, the Chief Adviser spoke at an event of the US-Bangladesh Business Council, inviting all its 50 members including some of the top American multinational firms, to invest in Bangladesh. In the meeting, Steven Kobos was accompanied by high officials of  Excelerate Energy, including Peter Haas, a former US ambassador to Bangladesh who recently joined Excelerate Energy as its Strategic Adviser, Derek Wong and Ramon Wangdi, vice presidents of the company, and Habib Bhuiyan, the country manager. Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the head of SDG Affairs, Ashik Chowdhury, chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and energy secretary Saiful Islam were also present during the meeting. Excelerate Energy, Inc. (NYSE: EE) is committed to being the global leader in flexible LNG infrastructure solutions and leveraging its unrivaled experience to help customers across the globe unlock access to abundant LNG supply.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said Bangladesh and China are now facing “significant historical opportunities” for deeper cooperation between the two countries. “China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to seize the opportunities of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” he said while delivering a keynote speech at a seminar in the city. The Ambassador laid emphasis on promoting traditional friendship, consolidating political mutual trust, deepening Belt and Road cooperation, and further advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height. The Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with Center for Chinese Studies(SIIS-DU) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar on “Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook” on Monday. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke as the chief guest. Director of the Academic Advisory Council, SIIS Prof Dr Yang Jiemian, Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh's Economy Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Director General, BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis also spoke at the seminar. Chinese ambassador meets Bangladeshi child Alifa Chin In his keynote address, Ambassador Yao said the historical opportunities and external environment facing both of our countries have undergone profound changes. However, he said, the core principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefits in China-Bangladesh relations remain unchanged. “The deep-rooted friendship between two peoples remains unchanged, and the determination of both governments and society to support and advance bilateral relations remains unchanged,” said the envoy. Prof Yang Jiemian said Bangladesh and China have a long history of friendly relations and both countries are at the key juncture of national development. In the midst of a volatile regional and international environment, he said, the two countries should enhance experience sharing on governance, enhance synergy of respective strengths, support each other’s core interests, and jointly tackle challenges.