United News of Bangladesh

Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan has been named as the new High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He is going to replace Ambassador Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique in this capacity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Iqbal Hussain Khan, a career diplomat belonging to the 20th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre, joined Bangladesh Foreign Service in 2001. Currently, he is serving as Director General at the Foreign Service Academy, Dhaka. Prior to that, he was serving at the Ministry as Director General, heading the West Asia Wing. In his diplomatic career, he has served in different capacities in Bangladesh Missions in Jeddah, London, Moscow, and Abu Dhabi. Lastly, he was the Bangladesh Consul General in Dubai. Iqbal Hussain Khan holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the People’s Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) and an Honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the then Bangladesh Institute of Technology (now Khulna University of Engineering and Technology) in Khulna. Recently, he has completed the NDC course from Bangladesh National Defence College, Mirpur, Dhaka.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday binned claims of a “brief” meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the former’s recent visit to China as “nonsense”. Repatriation only solution for Rohingya crisis: Chinese Ambassador “I can tell you. I was there (at the meeting). It was almost (for) one hour,” he said while responding to a question from a reporter, adding that the claim that the meeting lasted for 30 minutes was “nonsense.” Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on July 10. With the meeting, Bangladesh and China elevated their relations to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative” partnership. Responding to a question regarding criticism on the outcome of the visit, the Ambassador said these are the critics’ assessments while the assessments of China and PM Hasina are aligned. Asked about PM's early return to Bangladesh, the Ambassador said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke very clearly about the reason and all official programmes were completed before her departure from Beijing. Chinese Ambassador hails PM Hasina’s China visit as a “tremendous success” Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy Liu Yuyin, among others, was present at the media briefing. Bangladesh and China have always respected and supported each other, treated each other as equals and cooperated for win-win results since the establishment of diplomatic ties, setting an example of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries, especially among Global South countries, President Xi said. China cherishes the profound friendship forged by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and is willing to take the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in various fields, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi added. He called on the two sides to promote the fine tradition of mutual support and deepen political mutual trust, noting that China supports Bangladesh in adhering to an independent foreign policy, pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions, safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and opposing any external interference. China hopes to share experience on governance and development policies with Bangladesh, strengthen the synergy of development strategies and deepen cooperation in economy, trade, investment and connectivity, Xi said. How Chinese media covered the PM’s Beijing visit More Chinese enterprises are encouraged to enhance industrial investment cooperation with Bangladesh to promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains and help Bangladesh achieve national development, Xi noted.

The UK is providing £30,000 or Tk 4.5 crores of vital humanitarian assistance to support flood-affected communities in Sylhet, where over three million people have been impacted and 260,000 are displaced. Meloni's meeting with PM boosted ties, Italian foreign affairs official says The current flooding in Bangladesh has so far affected over 14.8 million people in different parts of the country, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Tuesday. This UK contribution in Sylhet will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by Caritas Bangladesh. It will provide cash assistance, clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies, and complement the Government of Bangladesh’s ongoing response to the flooding. The UK is also a significant contributor to the global humanitarian pooled funds, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Japanese vice-minister for foreign affairs visits Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital site Both of these are providing a total of £5.9m (BDT 89.5 crores) to support people affected by flooding in northern Bangladesh with food, clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, shelter, health support, and cash assistance. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said the UK stands beside all of those affected by the current flooding in Bangladesh. “I am pleased to announce the UK is providing humanitarian assistance to support those affected,” she said, adding that this includes £30,000 through START Fund Bangladesh to provide vital supplies to over 5,000 people in Sylhet, as well as contributions to pooled funds that are supporting those in the north of the country. This contribution complements the Government of Bangladesh’s response. The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is a humanitarian fund established by the United Nations General Assembly to enable timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, and complex emergencies through rapid, effective, and efficient channelling of resources to humanitarian agencies. Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Hasan Mahmud in Kampala IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) is a pooled fund which offers rapid financial support to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help them respond to small and medium-scale disasters or other emergencies that may not receive significant donor or media attention and therefore funding.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said they agree that there is no other solution except safe repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. “It is a big problem for Bangladesh,” he said, noting that conflict broke out in Myanmar and it is intensifying in Rakhine, too. Chinese Ambassador hails PM Hasina’s China visit as a “tremendous success” Bangladesh is hosting nearly 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char with babies born every year. Briefing a small group of journalists at the Embassy, the envoy said repatriation is the only way out and China will continue to play its role. He laid emphasis on working together as it is a shared responsibility to end violence in Myanmar and create conditions for the repatriation of the Rohingyas. During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official visit to China, the two sides shared the view that early repatriation is the only way to resolve the issue concerning the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar, who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. The two sides called on all parties in Myanmar to bridge their differences through dialogue and consultation and underscored the cessation of hostilities in Rakhine State as soon as possible. How Chinese media covered the PM’s Beijing visit The Bangladesh side expressed its appreciation and requested China to continue playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue for the peaceful settlement of the issue concerning the displaced people from Rakhine State. The Chinese side commended efforts made over the years by Bangladesh to provide humanitarian assistance for the displaced people, and expressed support for Bangladesh and Myanmar to find a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations and following the arrangements on repatriation existing between the countries. China will continue to provide support for this purpose to the best of its abilities, including providing a platform for dialogue to help achieve early repatriation of the displaced people, according to the joint statement issued after the visit. The Ambassador said the two countries also reached important consensus on international and regional issues such as the repatriation of the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Gaza crisis, the promotion and protection of human rights, and climate change, and stand ready to work together to build a community with a shared future for Asia and mankind. Chinese PM announces 1 billion RMB for Bangladesh as economic assistance: Hasan Mahmud “China-Bangladesh cooperation goes beyond the bilateral scope and is committed to jointly maintaining world peace and stability, safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, and international fairness and justice,” he said. Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy Liu Yuyin, among others, was present at the media briefing.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday described Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China as a "tremendous success" and highlighted four prominent features – higher, broader, pragmatic and consolidated. Firstly, Bangladesh-China relations have been elevated to a higher level, he said. "Leaders of our two countries agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This is the most important political outcome of the visit," Yao told a small group of reporters while briefing them at the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka on the outcome of the visit. Deputy Chief of Mission at the embassy Liu Yuyin, among others, was present at the media briefing.   The envoy referred to a higher level of political mutual trust. "The Chinese side will continue to firmly support Bangladesh in maintaining peace and stability, realizing development goals as envisioned under Vision 2041, non-interference in its internal affairs, and independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions," he said. The Ambassador mentioned that Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People’s Republic of China represents the whole of China, and Taiwan is part of China, and Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two sides also discussed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping. "The Chinese side is ready to share experience on GDI issues with the Bangladesh side," he said. Ambassador Yao mentioned more assistance and help to the urgent needs of Bangladesh. The Chinese side has responded positively to the Bangladeshi side's concerns about the expansion of financial assistance. "The Chinese side agreed to provide assistance equal to 2 billion US dollars to Bangladesh under the packages of grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans and commercial loans," said the Ambassador. He mentioned a higher status of development cooperation. "The Chinese side supports the Southern Integrated Development Initiatives (SIDI) of Bangladesh, among others, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to help this region achieve balanced and sustainable development," he said. Responding to a question regarding criticism on the outcome of the visit, the Ambassador said these are the critics' assessments while the assessments of China and PM Hasina are aligned. Asked about PM's early return to Bangladesh, the Ambassador said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke very clearly about the reason and all official programmes were completed before her departure from Beijing. He said the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lasted for an hour. "I was there in the meeting. It is nonsense, those who are saying (it was too short)." Responding to a question on the Teesta River project, the Ambassador reiterated his country's position. "It's a project of Bangladesh and it is for the government of Bangladesh to take the decision," he said, adding that they will respect Bangladesh’s decision. On July 14, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina briefed the media on her visit to China and she described the visit as a significant part of Bangladesh's diplomatic activities and a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s diplomatic endeavors, Yao said. Elaborating, the second feature – broader, the Chinese envoy said the areas of cooperation between the two sides are much broader. The joint statement covers as many as 17 areas, including almost all aspects of economic and social development of Bangladesh, namely, politics, political parties, trade and commerce, major cooperation projects, finance, digital and ICT, agriculture, meteorology, water management, ecological protection, health, education, people-to-people, maritime and blue economy, archaeology, defence, multilateral affairs cooperation and so on, resulting in a total of 27 practical outcomes. On the third feature – pragmatic, Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China cooperation is pragmatic and brings tangible benefits and welfare to the two peoples. He said the Chinese enterprises are willing to proactively take part in the construction of subways, roads, hospitals and other projects in Bangladesh. The two sides have concluded the joint feasibility study on the China-Bangladesh free trade agreement, and will launch formal negotiations as soon as possible. China has completed the entry procedures for Bangladesh’s mango exports, and welcomes Bangladesh to expand exports of jute, leather and other high-quality special products to China. China will continue to provide zero-tariff treatment on 98 percent of taxable items to Bangladesh for a transitional period beyond 2026 when Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status, he said. The envoy said the two sides agreed to launch negotiations on optimizing the Bangladesh-China Bilateral Investment Treaty as soon as possible. “All these outcomes meet the urgent needs of Bangladesh and will help mitigate the trade imbalance between the two countries and deepen our cooperation,” he said. The two governments signed 21 MoUs and agreements on trade and investment, digital economy, financial regulation, education cooperation, medical care and public health, infrastructure cooperation, green and low carbon development, agricultural cooperation, hydrological forecasting, and cooperation in radio and television, announcing 7 projects. Some 16 MoUs and agreements with a value of $500 million were also signed by private enterprises of the two countries at the business summit titled "The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Summit on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China". Regarding the fourth feature – consolidated, Ambassador Yao said next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two sides agreed to designate the year of 2025 as the “China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges” to promote interactions between the two countries in the fields of culture, tourism, education, health, think tanks, sports, youth, women, etc. Direct flights between Beijing and Dhaka have officially commenced recently. The number of flights amounts to 80 flights per week with a capacity of over 15,000 passengers. In the future, China will continue to expand and introduce a series of initiatives to facilitate personnel exchange, increase the capacity of direct flights, simplify visa procedures, and create more opportunities for the people of Bangladesh to go to China for business, study and tourism, he said. “I believe that with the joint efforts of the two countries, the foundation of China-Bangladesh friendship will be more solid and firm, and the friendship between the two countries will usher in a new stage of great development,” said the ambassador.

Though there is no report in Bangladeshi media or from law enforcement agencies regarding any death during the ongoing student protests, the US Department of State spokesperson claiming two deaths has raised a question whether it fell prey to rumours on social media platforms. Journalists and activists in Bangladesh have criticized the United States for perpetuating unverified information, which they believe undermines its neutrality and commitment to combating disinformation. It is impossible to hide the death of two students, noted local observers, pointing out that such incidents would have been reported by their parents, friends, or teachers. Hours before the US State Department’s comments on July 15 (Washington time), student fronts of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami circulated unverified claims about the deaths of two students, they observed. Veteran journalist and researcher Ajoy Das Gupta commented, “The US State Department chose to perpetuate this rumor, which makes its claim of neutrality questionable once again. This exposes the country’s reliance on spin doctors rather than facts.” The claim by the US coincided with a surge of disinformation from BNP-Jamaat-backed social media accounts, alleging that two students were killed by the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student front of the Bangladesh Awami League, he added. Farhan Sadik, a university student, addressed the rumors on Facebook Live, saying, “Please don’t spread any rumors. I’m home and safe, Alhamdulillah.” Bangladesh Awami League (AL) has accused BNP-Jamaat of spreading these rumors and has urged students and the public not to fall for them. The ALBD Web Team presented screenshots of various rumors such as “A student from CTG killed” and “Four students in DU have been killed,” which were circulating on social media. “Political parties have turned to rumors to instigate the public and draw international attention. This erroneous statement by the US State Department further undermines its commitment to fight disinformation and explains why the US approach to Bangladesh has been branded as partisan,” said senior journalist Gazi Nasiruddin Khokon. He added, “This disinformation by the highest authorities clearly contradicts their claims of neutrality.” Responding to a question about the student violence, US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “So we are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds.”

Bangladesh has expressed extreme disappointment over US State Department’s unsubstantiated claim of deaths of at least two persons, and said such “baseless claim” can fuel the violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts. “Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Seheli Sabrin said today. Student violence: Is US State Department being misled by rumours over claim of two deaths? She said the foreign ministry is “extremely disappointed” by the response of Mathew Miller, Spokesperson of the US State Department, to a question during a regular press briefing on July 15, 2024 (Washington time), where he made unsubstantiated claims of at least two deaths in the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh. The foreign ministry spokesperson said freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding public property and order. She said violence does not have any place in democracy and politics. “We have recently witnessed with horror an attempt on the life of former US President Donald Trump during a peaceful rally in Pennsylvania, USA,” Sabrin said. She said they are “deeply concerned” by the incident and such violence runs against the core values of democracy. “The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh have separately condemned the attack and sighed relief learning that Trump was safe and recovering,” she said. To uphold democracy and democratic values, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they are committed to working together with the US. Quota reform protests: Students block several points of Dhaka-Barishal Highway When specific information on the State Department’s claim was sought from the US Embassy in Dhaka, its acting spokesperson Leonard Hill told UNB this morning that the statement was “monitoring reports” that included the injuries and deaths. “We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth,” he said.

Though there is no report in Bangladesh media or from law enforcement agencies regarding any death during the current student protests, the US Department of State says otherwise raising a question whether it fell prey to rumours seen on social media platforms. "So we are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds," US Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller said at a regular media briefing in Washington on Monday, July 15. How a night of utter mayhem unfolded at JU When specific information was sought from the US Embassy in Dhaka, its acting Spokesperson Leonard Hill told UNB on Tuesday morning that the statement was “monitoring reports” that included the injuries and deaths. "We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth," he said. Quota reform: Protesters announce their Tuesday programme Spokesperson Miller said the "freedom of expression and peaceful assembly" are essential building blocks of any thriving democracy. "We condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence," he said during the briefing. Despite BCL cranking up violence to intimidate students, quota reformists not cowering Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said the government would not allow anyone to cause instability in the country, noting that there is an effort to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state and anti-government movement by exploiting the sentiments of young students. “The government will not allow this. This government is a very strong government. No political evil force will be allowed to destabilise the country by playing with the sentiments of young students,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hasan said anti-state slogans were chanted from the quota movement on Sunday night. “Through the Liberation War in 1971, this country gained independence, sacrificing the blood of 30 lakh martyrs. Here, chanting slogans in favour of razakars are anti-state.” “It is clear that political evil forces have entered the quota movement, including BNP and Jamaat, who want to destabilise the country, and some of their planted people are leading it,” Hasan said.

 Donal Brown, Associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s Programme Management Department visited China for the first time last week to enhance collaboration with Chinese policymakers and development partners. His visit focused on reaffirming a close partnership and advancing rural development initiatives within and beyond China. During his trip, Brown also delivered a keynote speech at the 2nd High-Level Forum on Global Action for Shared Development and visited an IFAD project in Hunan province. China contributes US$10 million to scale up South-South and Triangular Cooperation with IFAD During bilateral meetings with key policymakers in China, including senior officials from the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs (MARA), the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Brown confirmed IFAD's new strategic priorities in China: rural revitalization and green development, which are closely aligned with the Chinese government's goals for agricultural and rural development, according to the specialized agency of the United Nations. He also emphasized IFAD's commitment to jointly promote South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) with China, highlighting China’s significant potential to contribute to global public goods. In a meeting with Brown, Huaying Tao, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said that China would work with IFAD within the framework of the Global Development Initiative to leverage the power of the China-IFAD SSTC Facility to safeguard food security and promote green agriculture globally. Brown welcomed China's commitment to exploring new potential in areas such as animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. “At IFAD we know that our partnership with China is crucial to addressing the global challenges facing rural people, including climate change, conflicts, and food insecurity," said Brown. “This visit has allowed IFAD to further strengthen our collaboration with China to support sustainable and inclusive rural transformation, benefiting the most vulnerable people,” he added. He met He Jihua, Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on a visit to the Hunan province to see the impact of IFAD's investments in the region and speak to small-scale farmers and rural people who have benefitted from these investments. OPEC Fund deepens partnership with IFAD to strengthen food security and climate action In Fenghuang and Guzhang counties of Hunan province, Brown saw how small-scale farmers were adopting the climate-resilient agricultural practices encouraged by IFAD-supported projects, such as using organic fertilizers to improve soil quality. At the Second High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development hosted by CIDCA on 12 July, Brown thanked President Xi Jinping on behalf of IFAD for China’s contribution of US$10 million to the IFAD-China SSTC Facility -- a testament to the strength of IFAD’s partnership with China and to the common commitment towards supporting rural transformation in the Global South. Brown also signed an implementation partner agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Multilateral Cooperation Centre for Development Finance (MCDF). This agreement officially accredits IFAD as an international financing institution implementation partner of MCDF. He also met Jiang Zehui founder of the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) and co-chair of the INBAR board of trustees.

State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu has said trade between Bangladesh and Thailand would become easier by using Chattogram and Ranong ports which will reduce the days of cargo travel. Being strategic partners in the region, Bangladesh and Thailand cooperate with each other both bilaterally and multilaterally, he said. The state minister was speaking at a reception organized jointly by Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka in honor of Thai Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Nalinee Taveesin on Sunday. Planting trees essential to protect country's territory from Climate Change: State Minister for Finance The adviser, who is also Thai Trade Representative, is leading a high profile delegation from Thailand comprising of 25 members from different business sectors. The main purpose of the visit from July 13-17 is to promote bilateral trade and investment between two friendly countries. During the visit, an effective business to business (B2B) matchmaking was held in Dhaka organized jointly by BTCCI and the Thai Embassy where 120 business contracts were held between the Thai delegates and interested BTCCI members. The state minister emphasized ways to boost relations with each other in order to nurture the economic diplomacy adopted during the recent visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Thailand and BTCCI is significantly taking the opportunity for playing important roles on this. Ahasanul Islam called for FTA between the two nations for greater business opportunities. He also said that Thailand is an advanced economy, and is recognized globally as a hub of the Asia-Pacific region due to its impressive creation, innovation and development of versatile products. In B2B matchmaking, 45 Bangladeshi companies joined for business ties with the visiting Thai delegation. The Advisor to the Prime Minister of Thailand thanked BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy for arranging the event with Bangladeshi companies. She said the office of the Prime Minister of Thailand would extend its all-out support and cooperation for the growing bilateral and mutual business interest between Bangladesh and Thailand through BTCCI and the Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka. Inflation was highest in 2022-23 fiscal: State Minister for Commerce BTCCI President Shams Mahmud sought more investment in Bangladesh, saying there is a business friendly-environment in the country. Welcoming the Thai delegation to Bangladesh, he also emphasized to look for more strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the future Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, Dr Md Sarwar Bari, Executive Chairman of BEZA, Md Munir Hossain, Sr Vice President of BTCCI & Vice President of FBCCI, Md. Salem Sulaiman, Vice President, MA Momen, former President of BTCCI and DCCI, Khemathat Arawathamrong, Honorary Director, Abul Kasem Khan, Director, Shamima Rahman, Director Admin, Mohammad Junaed Ibna Ali, Director Finance, Md Nazmul Hossen ACS, Secretary of BTCCI were present, among others.