United News of Bangladesh

A roundtable meeting titled 'Israeli Occupation: Liberation Struggle and Today's Reality' was held on Tuesday in the capital Dhaka. Al Quds Committee Bangladesh organised  the programme at Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA). Professors, researchers, politicians, social workers, journalists, writers and other thinkers were present in the meeting while President of Al Quds Committee and Chairman of Philosophy Department of Dhaka University Shah Kauchar Mustafa Abululai presided over the session. Speakers at the event said that the illegal state of Israel was created in the Middle East in 1948 by the conspiracy of Britain and the United States. It is a poison for world humanity. They have been merciless towards the people of Palestine since their inception.  They also said it has reached extreme limits. They have killed more than thirty-four thousand women, men and children and injured thousands more in the Gaza war that began in October last year. The habitat has been completely destroyed and has turned them into refugees.  They added even the relief materials are hindered from reaching them. In this situation, humanitarian people of the world have woken up. People from all walks of life in different countries of the world are protesting in solidarity with Palestine and Israel's crimes against humanity.  On the contrary, most of the countries of the Muslim world, especially the Arab countries, are keeping silent, which is very sad. Only Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran are giving all kinds of cooperation and support to the Palestinian freedom organization Hamas. And because of this, positive reactions are being observed in other countries of the Muslim world. International organizations, including the United Nations, are trying to play a role in Palestine. The speaker expressed optimism that if the Muslim world can forget all kinds of differences and play its proper role unitedly, then the liberation movement of Palestine will be more rapid and soon Palestine will be able to achieve independence. Sirajul Islam, editor of Radio Tehran's Bengali program, associate professor of Persian language and literature department of Dhaka University participated in the discussion. Ahsanul Hadi, Nayeb Amir Maulana Ruhul Amin of Islamic Unity Movement, Nayeb Amir Ahmad Ali Kasemi of Khilafat Majlis, Chairman of Bangladesh Labor Party Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran, Dhaka Brilliant School Principal Mohammad Ashraf Uddin Khan, Dr. Maulana AKM Mahbubur Rahman, Sheikh Usman Gani spoke.  The programne was conducted by Al Quds Committee Bangladesh vice president and Dhaka University Persian language and literature department professor KM Saiful Islam Khan.

International Labour Organization (ILO) has said adequate investments in development of the care economy and social protection systems including pension schemes will become increasingly important for Bangladesh. “It is important also to recognize that the aging population is also increasing rapidly with estimates that the country will transform into an aging society in 2048,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO’s Country Director for Bangladesh on Tuesday. Poutiainen said Bangladesh currently has the potential to reap massive demographic dividends from a youthful labour force, and investments are needed for modern skills and access to quality employment. ILO said Bangladesh needs to attain an annual productivity growth rate of 6% to become a high-income country by 2050 compared to the current labour productivity of 4.1 %. This means Bangladesh must increase labour productivity by 1.5% every year to reach its ambition to become a high-income country by 2050, according to ILO. To realise these gains, structural barriers and a lack of training opportunities need to be overcome to allow the region’s large pool of workers who are ready to take up better jobs at higher productivity and pay to meet their potential, it said. Significant policy reforms and better implementation of existing standards are also needed to reduce inequalities, improve labour market prospects for older workers and ensure equitable pension systems to address the impending demographic changes. Asia-Pacific labour markets have recovered well since the global pandemic but face deep seated challenges that are being compounded by the region's rapidly ageing population according to the International Labour Organization’s Asia Pacific Employment and Social Outlook 2024. Unemployment in the region is projected to remain roughly unchanged in 2024 and 2025, at 4.2 per cent, which corresponds to 87.8 million out of work in 2024. While the unemployment rate for the region remains below pre-pandemic levels, significant variation exists between subregions and countries. The region’s jobs gap, which shows the total unmet need for employment, amounted to 164 million in 2023. That figure includes for example women who would like to work but are unable to search for a job because of care obligations. Persistent issues related to working poverty and informality remain, with a substantial proportion of workers still engaged in low-quality, informal employment despite decades of economic growth. Two in three workers were in informal employment in 2023, an improvement of only 2 percentage points over the course of 10 years. The report also highlights how the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing rapid population ageing, with the ratio of people aged 65 years and above expected to double by 2050. This demographic shift will significantly increase the economic dependency ratio, posing challenges for sustaining economic growth. East Asia is projected to see the largest demographic drag on growth of 0.3 percentage points per year; South Asia is expected to see its demographic dividend decline a lot. Despite ageing populations, the region should be able to achieve continued income growth per capita over the coming decades if strong productivity growth can be maintained. Labour productivity in emerging economies in Asia and the Pacific stands at less than a third of that in high-income countries in many sectors, highlighting the large potential for efficiency and income gains. "The Asia-Pacific region may be ageing rapidly but it is not going to run out of workers. There is however an urgent need to ensure that those looking for decent work can access the training and opportunities they need so that evolving labour market demands can be met," said Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa, ILO Assistant Director General and Regional director for Asia and the Pacific. The report also underscores the need for robust social dialogue involving workers, employers, and governments to address these multifaceted challenges. Initiatives such as the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions are highlighted as essential steps towards advancing social justice in the region.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will attend the UN programme in New York marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on May 30. He will also join a function to be jointly hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations and Austria, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. After attending the 4th International Conference on “Small Island Developing States: Charting the Course toward Resilient Prosperity” in Antigua and Barbuda, he will be paying a three-day visit to the USA. During his three-day visit to New York, the foreign minister will have meetings with Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Myanmar, the President of the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations. He will address the ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation-OIC countries on the Rohingya situation in New York. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Mohammad Abdul Muhith, Director General of the North American Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khandaker Masudul Alam, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mir Akram Uddin Ahmad, are participating as members of the country's delegation in the SEEDS conference and a busy visit to New York. Bangladesh Ambassador to its Permanent Mission in the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Director General of the North American Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khandaker Masudul Alam, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mir Akram Uddin Ahmad, are participating as members of the country's delegation in the SIDS conference. International Day of UN Peacekeepers Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping operations. Since 1988, 188,558 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 63 UN missions in over 40 countries. Bangladesh Army has served in 43 missions worldwide, with over 6,000 peacekeepers currently deployed. The UN always appreciates Bangladesh for its "steadfast and remarkable contribution" to peacekeeping operations over the years. On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the UN honours their extraordinary contributions to international peace and security. Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 missions, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace. Currently, more than 76,000 peacekeepers from more than 120 countries are deployed in 11 global operations. Their hard work and commitment helps foster peace and stability for millions impacted by conflict. Despite evolving challenges, peacekeepers remain steadfast in safeguarding civilians, saving and transforming lives and promoting peace. This year, the United Nations commemorates the International Day of Peacekeepers under the theme, "Fit for the Future: Building Better Together." This theme acknowledges UN Peacekeeping's crucial role in helping countries transition from conflict to peace over 75 years and supports the Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace to address future crises and conflicts effectively. It emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration and innovation to address the evolving challenges of peacekeeping effectively. As global conflicts continue to change, UN Peacekeeping operations continue to adapt to the unique needs and circumstances of each mission. The upcoming Summit of the Future in September presents a unique opportunity to reaffirm UN commitment to peacekeeping and to address the challenges that lie ahead. Despite the challenges, the UN said, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace. The International Day pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers and the resilience of the communities that they serve. It honours the more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving for peace.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin Tuesday urged the ambassadors of Finland, Guatemala and Ireland to encourage their  businessmen to  invest in Bangladesh. He said after receiving credentials from the ambassadors of the three countries to Bangladesh separately at Bangabhaban here. President asks BSMMU to encourage patients to take treatment in specialized hospitals The three non-resident ambassador-designate are -- Kimmo Lahdevirta of Finland, Omar Castaneda Solares of Guatemala and Kevin Kelly of Ireland. President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meetings. Referring to the investment-friendly environment and other facilities in Bangladesh, he said Bangladesh has always given priority to expand bilateral relations in terms of trade and investment. He expressed his hope that the bilateral relations with these three countries would further be consolidated during the new envoys assignments here. Work for the welfare of the country: President to Buddhist leaders Terming Bangladesh as a country with huge potentials, the president urged the ambassadors to use all possibilities to strengthen trade ties between Bangladesh and their respective countries. He also stressed exchange of visits at the government and private levels to explore the trade and investment potentials of the three countries. About the Rohingya repatriation, he said, "Although Bangladesh provided shelter to displaced Myanmar nationals on humanitarian grounds, it has now become a complex socio-economic problem". The president sought the full cooperation of friendly countries and the international community to solve the Rohingya crisis in a permanent manner. President asks university authorities to focus on research During the meeting, the ambassadors expressed their interest in enhancing diplomatic relations with their respective countries and conveyed sorrow and sympathy for the damages caused by cyclone Remel. Appreciating the success of the government and the people in facing various disasters in Bangladesh including Remel, they sought the necessary cooperation of the president in carrying out their respective assignments. Secretaries to the president's office and foreign ministry officials concerned were present at the meetings. A horse-mounted contingent of the Presidential Guard Regiment (PGR) gave a guard of honor to the ambassadors as part of the ceremony on their arrival.

Ireland’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly has said they have a “renewed commitment” to Bangladesh, noting that they have a new Asia Pacific strategy that was launched last year. “The significance and sustained economic growth which we have seen in Bangladesh must be applauded. We are very interested in understanding more about your economic model. Bangladesh in many ways, we see, is standing as an example of what can be achieved by hard work and strategic planning,” he said. The ambassador, who submitted his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday, was delivering his keynote speech at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as part of Cosmos Dialogue. He said Bangladesh is situated between two colossal markets in this region between India and China, and they see it as a “crucial gateway” to ASEAN, much as they see Ireland as being a very good gateway for Bangladesh into the European Union market.

Housing and Public Works Minister R.A.M. Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury inaugurated Nagasaki Peace Monument at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Japan on Tuesday. Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Nabirul Islam, and Mayor of Nagasaki Shiro Suzuki were present at the event. As part of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's quest for a nuclear bomb-free, peaceful world, and to convey the message of peace to the people of Japan and the world, Bangladesh government proposed the construction of a peace monument at the Nagasaki Peace Park. "Shodo Workshop: Art of Japanese Calligraphy" held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy At the unveiling ceremony, Minister Muktadir Chowdhury thanked all involved in the process, including the Mayor of Nagasaki, for their overall cooperation in constructing the monument. Designed by architect Anindya Pandit, the three-meter-high monument is made of black granite and white marble stones, according to a message received from Japan.  Before the ceremony, a minute's silence was observed at 11:02 am to coincide with the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. After the monument unveiling, the Bangladesh delegation led by Minister Muktadir laid floral wreaths at the epicenter of the atomic bomb explosion. Japan to send team next week for negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreement Later, Mayor Suzuki organized a lunch in honor of the Bangladesh delegation. Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed, in a speech, thanked Mayor Suzuki for hosting the event. Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Hamidur Rahman Khan, Deputy Chief of Mission of Bangladesh Embassy Shah Asif Rahman, Head of Chancery Sheikh Farid and Second Secretary - Press Md Imranul Hasan were present on the occasion.  

Over 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, are at high health, nutrition, sanitation, and safety risks as cyclone Remal hits the coastal areas of Bangladesh, says UNICEF on Monday. "Our thoughts go out to the children and their families at this critical moment as they endure the storm's impact," said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh in a statement. From the information received to date, Bhola, Patuakhli, and Bagerhat have been impacted the most, with many upazillas being inundated. “UNICEF has been on the ground since the beginning and supporting the government in its early warning efforts while ensuring a swift and effective response to address the aftermath of the cyclone," Yett said. Cyclone Remal: DNCC mobilises 5,000 sanitation workers to combat waterlogging

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen on Monday said Bangladesh still has a youthful population, but the voices of young people are seldom heard in the public room. "Solutions to the country’s and the world’s many challenges and pressing issues must be sought in dialogue with the people who will still be here in the decades ahead," he said while inaugurating a seminar. The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and Plan International Bangladesh jointly organised the seminar titled ‘Listen to the Voices of the Youth’ at the Norwegian Ambassador’s residence. Around 25 youths from diverse backgrounds participated in the seminar. In her opening remarks, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, Kabita Bose, stressed on increasing investment in youth activism and leadership. "We want girls and youths to have ample opportunities to flourish as we want youths to fulfil their dreams and we are here to support them," she said. "Plan International Bangladesh is here to provide them assistance to achieve economic empowerment and network them with proper channels to increase their leadership and entrepreneurship quality," she added. Afterwards, keynote speaker, Raka Noshin Nower and Nasima Akter Nisha made their speeches. The keynote speakers brought forth important topics like promoting better social awareness of youth matters, gender equality, freedom of speech, creativity and tolerance among youth, creating a more skilled youth workforce, and facilitating youth entrepreneurship to combat unemployment. They also highlighted the existing traditional social norms, and how to overcome those for advocating gender equality to create a positive impact for the youth in the country. Keynote speaker Raka Noshin Nower said, “Youths should be motivated positively. There are many resources around them, they have to curate it by gathering accurate knowledge.” The other keynote speaker, Nasima Akter Nishi focused on entrepreneurship, skill and opportunities for Bangladeshi youth. She pointed out, “Skill development is required for the youths to move forward in this competitive society. They have to think beyond limitations. In this regard support from NGOs, government, and corporates is required to facilitate youth employment.” The seminar included a panel discussion and breakout sessions where the young participants came up with their take on these crucial social issues and possible solutions to navigate these issues. During the panel discussion, the participant youths also raised other related societal issues like key factors that drive child marriage, disability inclusion in institutions and workplaces, problems of gender norms and stereotyping, preventing persecution of minority and marginal communities including their youth, challenges faced by the youth while seeking employment and undertaking startups and acquiring skills that are in demand in the ever-changing job market and spheres of entrepreneurship. Nishath Sultana, Director - Policy, Advocacy, Influencing and Campaigns, provided closing remarks. This unique event provided a platform to engage in in-depth discussions, exchange innovative ideas and gain valuable insights into the current situation and future of the youth of Bangladesh.

The delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC) visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum today and paid tribute to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The executive business delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council will have a meeting with PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman this afternoon. The meeting will begin at 4 pm at the conference room of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). PM pays tributes to Bangabandhu in Tungipara Earlier, the USBBC team met FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam to discuss deepening Bangladesh-US commercial ties, new priorities for the business community ahead of the budget, and strengthening collaborative opportunities with stakeholders. The US-Bangladesh Business Council is the business advocacy group advancing policy priorities of the US business community in the bilateral trade relationship with Bangladesh. Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira pays tribute to Bangabandhu 

 Canadian Deputy Minister of International Development Christopher MacLennan on Sunday highly appreciated Bangladesh’s economic progress over the last one and a half decade and expressed Canada's eagerness to adopt a more mature approach in leveraging development assistance to Bangladesh. He indicated that Bangladesh’s graduation from the LDC status will facilitate "robust economic partnership" between the two friendly countries. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen held a meeting with the visiting Canadian Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the meeting, they expressed mutual commitment to transforming the existing excellent Bangladesh-Canada bilateral relations to comprehensive partnership by further advancing bilateral trade, investment, educational cooperation, technological innovation, migration and mobility, climate change, cybersecurity, maritime security, and cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concerns. They also expressed eagerness to explore cooperation under the respective Indo-Pacific Outlook/Strategy. The Foreign Secretary highly appreciated Canada’s development cooperation to Bangladesh over the years since 1971 and highlighted the progression of the Bangladesh-Canada relations beyond the traditional development cooperation-driven relationship to robust trade partnership over the last decades. As Bangladesh graduates from the LDC status by 2026, the Foreign Secretary suggested that Canada may take advantage of Bangladesh's strategic location and economic infrastructure coupled with enabling policies to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The Canadian Deputy Minister appreciated Bangladesh for hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. The Foreign Secretary expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Myanmar, which has hindered the Rohingya repatriation, according to MoFA. He thanked Canadian government for its humanitarian support to the Rohingyas, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh and its political support towards resolving the Rohingya crisis. High Commissioner for Canada in Bangladesh Lilly Nicholls and acting Director General (Americas) of Kazi Russel Pervez, among others, were also present at the meeting. Christopher MacLennan is on a three-day maiden official visit to Bangladesh.