United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and the United States have discussed ways for strengthening collaboration to counter corruption, tackle money laundering and recover stolen assets. The issues were discussed during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and acting Coordinator for Global Anti-Corruption Shelby Smith-Wilson in Washington, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Talks also covered technical support for reforms, MLA (Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) treaty and enhancing experience and expertise sharing in procurement systems, law enforcement, judiciary and media. US values Bangladesh as a partner in Indo-Pacific region: Uzra Zeya Meanwhile, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya said the United States values Bangladesh as a “partner” in the Indo-Pacific region and their “strong collaboration” as their leading partner on Rohingya response and number one source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). She shared a brief message on X, formerly known as Twitter on Saturday as she had a meeting with the Foreign Secretary in Washington on October 11. "Vital discussion with Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin on US-Bangladesh humanitarian cooperation, accountability and democratic institutions and support for labour rights," she said. The Foreign Secretary and Under-Secretary Uzra Zeya had “fruitful discussions" on the reforms of the democratic institutions and upholding of democratic values, accountability of human rights violations, humanitarian response and sustainable solutions of the Rohingya crisis and labour rights issues, according to the ministry. He also had a "productive meeting" with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the State Department, affirming renewal of commitment to deepen and expand bilateral ties, strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest. The Foreign Secretary had a separate meeting with acting US Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and discussed ways to deepen bilateral collaboration building on the momentum in the Bangladesh-US relationship and to advance impactful cooperation in priority areas. He also had discussions on diverse issues at a meeting with US Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia Lindsey W Ford at the White House. They covered the interim government's reform agenda, democratic transition, economic and security issues, regional stability, Rohingya crisis and labour law. Foreign Secretary also Jashim met Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia and discussed mutual cooperation to diversify export, DFQF access of RMGs produced from cotton imported from US, simplification of registration and reduction of registration fees for pharmaceutical products, labour law reforms, and access to US International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC). A lunch meeting between the Foreign Secretary and key officials focused on a wide range of issues of mutual interests. The US officials included Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu, Acting Assistant Secretary Marta C Youth, Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary Monica Ager Jacobsen, as well as Director Alla P Kamins. The Foreign Secretary visited New York before his tour to Washington and is scheduled to leave Washington on October 14.  

Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has said the United States values Bangladesh as a "partner" in the Indo-Pacific region and their "strong collaboration" as their leading partner on Rohingya response and number one source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). She shared a brief message on X, formerly known as Twitter on Saturday as she had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin in Washington on October 11. "Vital discussion with Foreign Secretary Uddin on US-Bangladesh humanitarian cooperation, accountability and democratic institutions, and support for labor rights," she said. The Foreign Secretary and Under-Secretary Uzra Zeya had "fruitful discussions" on the reforms of the democratic institutions and upholding of democratic values, accountability of human rights violations, humanitarian response and sustainable solutions of the Rohingya crisis, and labour rights issues etc, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. He also had a "productive meeting" with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the State Department, affirming renewal of commitment to deepen and expand bilateral ties, strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest. Their discussions focused on the US technical and financial support to reform initiatives of the interim government and addressing challenges, Rohingya issue, labour law reforms etc. The Foreign Secretary had a separate meeting with acting US Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and discussed ways to deepen bilateral collaboration building on the momentum in the Bangladesh-US relationship and to advance impactful cooperation in priority areas. He also had discussions on diverse issues at a meeting with US Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia Lindsey W Ford at the White House. They covered interim government's reform agenda, democratic transition, economic and security issues, regional stability, Rohingya crisis, labour law etc. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia and discussed mutual cooperation to diversify export, DFQF access of RMGs produced from cotton imported from US, simplification of registration and reduction of registration fees for pharmaceutical products, labour law reforms, and access to US International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC). A lunch meeting between the Foreign Secretary and key officials focused on a wide range of issues of mutual interests. US officials include Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu, Acting Assistant Secretary Marta C. Youth, Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary Monica Ager Jacobsen, as well as Director Alla P. Kamins. The Foreign Secretary visited New York before his tour to Washington and is scheduled to leave Washington on October 14.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Saturday said China is looking forward to work closely with Bangladesh to cement the traditional friendship. "No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to developing China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged," he said. China wants to invest in solar panels manufacturing; deepen ties with Bangladesh Ambassador Yao and commanders of the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan, called on Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hassan, Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet, and Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador laid emphasis on deepening friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height. He said that, China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbours and comprehensive strategic cooperativepartners. The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation. Both parties conveyed their strong confidence in the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening defense and securitycooperation. Earlier, the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan arrived at Chittagong Port, starting a goodwill visit to Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao welcomed the training fleet at the Port. Diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, representatives from enterprises and Confucius Institute, and overseas Chinese attended the welcome ceremony. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the Chinese PLANTask Group 83 berthed at Chittagong Port. Chinese waved the national flags of China and Bangladesh with great enthusiasm, extended high tribute to the Chinese Navy, and wished long live China-Bangladesh friendship. During the fleet’s four-day goodwill visit, series of events will take place, including bilateral meetings, ship open days, and deck reception, to enhance China and Bangladesh Navy cooperation and mutual trust, and contribute to thebuilding of a maritime community of shared future. This visit marks the first occasion in four years since the Chinese naval fleet last visited Bangladesh, and it is the first foreign naval fleet to visit since the establishment of the Bangladesh interim government, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. The visit holds significant importance for deepening China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation, it said.

The government of India has called upon the government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time. "We have noted with serious concern the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and the theft at the revered Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira," said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. These are deplorable events, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a satement on attack on Puja Mandap, desecration and damage to Hindu temples in Bangladesh. Crown gifted by Modi stolen from Satkhira temple: Indian High Commission  calls for prompt investigation "They follow a systematic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities that we have witnessed over several days now," MEA said. Earlier on October 5, India expressed concerns over vandalism of idols and security of Hindu community in Bangladesh and said the incidents of this kind "are not right and they are not good." Responding to a question at a weekly briefing, Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said they hope this festival brings prosperity and happiness in everyone's life. Steps taken to ensure safe return of Bangladeshis from war-hit Lebanon: MoFA When it comes to minorities, he said, they have said multiple times, even at high levels from their side that the minorities in Bangladesh should be protected. "And we expect that the government there (in Bangladesh) will provide security to the people of the minority community and fulfill their needs," said the Spokesperson.

Bangladesh-origin Oxford graduate Neamul Mohsin, currently Deputy Chief Investment Officer, has been appointed as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of OUem with effect from 1 January 2025. Sandra Robertson will remain Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a focus on external relations, risk management and operational excellence, and will continue to work closely with Neamul and an established investment team. Neamul joined the investment team at OUem in 2012 and has been Deputy CIO since August 2022 with responsibility for leading the firm’s sourcing, diligence and day-to-day investment decisions, as well as working alongside Sandra on portfolio strategy and asset allocation. Following a rigorous appointment process led by the OUem Board, Neamul will lead all aspects of the investment portfolio. Having dedicated executives to manage the investment portfolio and the business is a natural progression for a firm which has transformed since its founding in 2007. Since then, the firm has grown substantially, increasing assets under management from £600m on behalf of a single investor, the University of Oxford, into a team of 30 professionals managing in excess of £6.5 billion on behalf of 46 investors. “It is a privilege to be entrusted by the Board to take on this role. As Deputy CIO, I have benefitted from working closely alongside Sandra and look forward to continuing to do so as CIO. I am delighted at the opportunity to further build on the long-term success of the firm by delivering exceptional investment returns for our investors,” said Neamul Mohsin “Neamul has proved himself to be a highly effective investor with exceptional knowledge of our portfolio. Alongside the Board, I have absolute confidence in him and his ability to steward the capital entrusted to us by our investors. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him," CEO of the Oxford University Endowment Management Sandra Robertson. Neamul (41) joined the investment team of OUem in 2012 and has been Deputy CIO since August 2022. In 2023, he was recognised as a leader ‘poised for impact in the global finance industry’ and named in the Class of Aspen Institute Finance Leaders Fellows. Neamul began his career as a Consultant at PwC Strategy with a particular specialism in commercial due diligence and business valuations. He graduated from the University of Oxford (Pembroke College) in 2005 and was an Arthur Andersen / Deloitte scholar throughout.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin had a "productive meeting" with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the State Department, affirming renewal of commitment to deepen and expand bilateral ties, strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest.  Their discussions focused on the US technical and financial support to reform initiatives of the interim government and addressing challenges, Rohingya issue, labour law reforms, etc.  The Foreign Secretary had a separate meeting with acting US Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and discussed ways to deepen bilateral collaboration building on the momentum in the Bangladesh-US relationship and to advance impactful cooperation in priority areas.  He also had discussions on diverse issues at a meeting with US Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia Lindsey W Ford at the White House.  They covered interim government's reform agenda, democratic transition, economic and security issues, regional stability, Rohingya crisis, labour law etc. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia and discussed mutual cooperation to diversify export, DFQF access of RMGs produced from cotton imported from US, simplification of registration and reduction of registration fees for pharmaceutical products, labour law reforms, and access to US International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC). A lunch meeting between the Foreign Secretary and key officials focused on a wide range of issues of mutual interests.  US officials include Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu, Acting Assistant Secretary Marta C. Youth, Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary Monica Ager Jacobsen, as well as Director Alla P. Kamins.  The Foreign Secretary visited New York before his tour to Washington and is scheduled is leave Washington on October 14.      

Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Madam Li Yu, the spouse of the Ambassador on Friday met with Bangladeshi child Alifa Chin. Ambassador Yao encouraged Chin to study hard and make greater contributions to the country. Ambassador Yao and Madam Li also presented study and daily necessities to Chin and her family. Chin sincerely thanked China for its help to her family. She expressed her willingness to study hard and become a messenger of friendship between China and Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus congratulated Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors' group, on its winning of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024. "Congratulations to Nihon Hidankyo on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024. Your unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament and peace is an inspiration to us all," Prof Yunus said in a message. Prof Yunus, also Nobel Peace Laureate, said: "Your advocacy and tireless efforts to ensure that the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never forgotten resonate deeply in our quest for a safer world". Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese organization of atomic bombing survivors Nihon Hidankyo "Thank you for your courage and dedication. Warmest congratulations once again," the message read. Nihon Hidankyo has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its dedication to creating a world free from nuclear weapons.    

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Friday emphasised that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has long maintained friendly relations with all major political parties in Bangladesh.  He expressed China's willingness to further strengthen exchanges on governance under the new circumstances, enhance personnel training, and promote cooperation across various fields, advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership for the benefit of both people. Ambassador Yao met separately with Golam Akbar Khandkar, Adviser to BNP Chairperson and the BNP’s regional leader for Chattogram and Muhammad Shahjahan, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and regional leader for Chattogram.  The regional leaders of the two parties expressed their gratitude for the long-standing support provided by the CPC, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people towards Bangladesh’s national development, economic and social progress, and the well-being of its people.  They noted that Bangladesh is at a critical juncture of national reconstruction and requested continued Chinese support for Bangladesh’s development.  They also expressed their desire to further strengthen party-to-party exchanges and friendly cooperation with the CPC. Both sides exchanged views on the current situation in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2025, as well as the 'Year of People-to-People Exchanges'.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has voiced serious concern over the theft of a crown gifted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira. The high commission urged the Bangladesh government to conduct a thorough investigation, recover the stolen crown, and bring those responsible to justice.   “We have seen reports of the theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to Bangladesh,” said the High Commission in a formal message. Chinese Ambassador visits Grameen Bank's Jobra branch The crown, which adorned the deity at the historic Jeshoreshwari Temple in Satkhira’s Shyamnagar, was reported stolen around 2:30 pm on Thursday.  Modi personally placed the crown on the head of the goddess during his visit to the temple on March 27, 2021, as part of his official trip to Bangladesh.