United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen is scheduled to visit Beijing, China next month to have bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart. "He will have a meeting with Chinese Vice-Minister of foreign affairs Sun Weidong which is scheduled to take place on June 3," a senior official told UNB on Sunday. He said the Foreign Secretary is likely to leave Dhaka for Beijing one or two days prior to that meeting. Issues of mutual interest including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s proposed visit are likely to be discussed. Meanwhile, an inter-ministerial meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The two sides will discuss to find a convenient date for the PM's visit to China. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to pay an official visit to China before July 15. In May 2023, the Chinese Vice Minister was in Bangladesh on a two-day official visit to discuss issues of mutual interest. He had a bilateral meeting with foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen during his stay in Dhaka. Recently, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen said Bangladesh and China ‘should deepen the strategic partnership’ for cooperation and explore new growth points.’ "China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative," he said. In particular, the ambassador said, they were willing to promote upgrading of industries and digitalisation process in Bangladesh, and to improve the quality and competitiveness of ‘Made in Bangladesh’.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said the recent ‘false ‘and ‘fallacious’ Deutsche Welle (DW) documentary titled "Torturers deployed as UN peacekeepers" presents a "misleading portrayal" of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions. "Misrepresentation and insufficient diligence can lead to eroding the credibility and effectiveness of peacekeeping forces globally," ISPR said on Saturday (May 25, 2024) protesting the report. More so, the Bangladesh Army has a spotless record with no human rights violations while serving under the UN, a distinction shared by only a few countries, it said in a rejoinder to Deutsche Welle (DW) Documentary on UN Peacekeepers. Given these facts, ISPR said, it is crucial for media outlets to adhere to the principles of fair and balanced reporting, especially on issues as vital as international peacekeeping. DW documentary on Peacekeepers: UN says it follows three-step screening process when deploying troops It said Bangladesh Army rigorously follows the UN's stringent selection and vetting protocols to ensure that only the most qualified and thoroughly vetted individuals are deployed. "These measures underscore the Army's commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in peacekeeping missions," ISPR said. Furthermore, it said, DW did not seek comments from the Bangladesh Army regarding the allegations presented in the documentary. "This lack of balanced reporting raises concerns about the aim and objective of the documentary. It is pretty clear that the documentary was focused on defaming a law enforcing agency of Bangladesh showing irrelevant video footages," ISPR said. "It was totally a biased media projection, which has largely compromised the credibility of the documentary. It has also raised questions about the motive behind it," ISPR added. Bangladesh highlights its contribution to UN Peacekeeping It is crucial to "recognise the significant contributions" of Bangladesh to UN peacekeeping efforts. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned a reputation for their dedication, professionalism, and humanitarian approach. A total 131 Bangladesh Army personnel have made supreme sacrifice and 239 sustained injuries while serving under the UN flag, embodying the spirit of selflessness and commitment to global peace.

A sector commander-level flag meeting between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Security Force (BSF) of India was held on Saturday. Rangpur Sector Commander's Deputy Director General Mamunur Rashid led the 5-member Bangladesh delegation while DIG Shri GS Dhaniwal led the 8-member delegation of BSF Cooch Behar Sector in the meeting that started at 11:00am.

Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo on Saturday organised a discussion and a colorful cultural programme marking the 163rd birth anniversary of Bishwakobi Rabindranath Tagore and 125th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy. Addressing the event, Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed paid deep respect to the eternal memory of the two legends of Bengali literature, Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. He said the writings, poems and songs of Bishwakobi Rabindranath Tagore and the Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and their works are mixed with the history of the culture and evolution of the people of Bengal. Even after all these years, no one else has created their equals in the Bengali literature thus they have remained immortal in the thousand-year of history of the Bengali nation. The ambassador urged everyone to come forward to spread Bengali language, literature and culture in far-flung diaspora through practicing the poets. Visiting Prof Humayun Kabir of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies discussed various aspects of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam's poetry and writings during the discussion. A wonderful cultural programme followed by the discussion was performed with poetry recitation and songs by Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore.

Canada’s Deputy Minister of International Development Christopher MacLennan arrived in Dhaka on Saturday evening on a two-day visit. The Deputy Minister will meet with officials and development partners to discuss Canada’s evolving international assistance in the context of Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2026. He will discuss opportunities to leverage Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy in Bangladesh. The Deputy Minister will also have discussions about the ongoing response to the Rohingya refugee crisis and the situation at the border. Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have reiterated their call on all States to prevent or to cease the flow of arms or military and dual-use material, including aviation fuel to the Myanmar military.  

Australia, Canada, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have reiterated their call on all States to prevent or to cease the flow of arms or military and dual-use material, including aviation fuel to the Myanmar military. “We are deeply concerned by the escalating conflict in Myanmar and in particular the increasing harm to civilians, which is driving a worsening and devastating human rights and humanitarian crisis across the country,” said the countries in a joint statement issued by the US Department of State on Saturday. Since the February 2021 coup d’état, the number of people in humanitarian need has risen from 1 million to 18.6 million. There have been credible reports of violations and abuses committed against the civilian population, including airstrikes on homes, schools, places of worship and hospitals, torture, the use of civilians as human shields, and sexual and gender-based violence against women and children. As the conflict continues to escalate, communities across Myanmar are being subjected to further displacement, according to the statement. The military regime is systematically restricting access to life saving humanitarian assistance. “We are concerned about growing water and food shortages and the widespread denial of access to healthcare, medicines, and vital humanitarian services. The continued blocking of roads and telecommunications in areas of conflict is hindering humanitarian delivery and access to information.” Across the country, more than 1,000 civilians were killed or maimed by landmines in 2023 and casualties are rapidly growing. Increasing numbers of people are being trafficked and held against their will. All parties must ensure that they are prioritising the protection of civilians. “We are deeply concerned by the military regime’s implementation of the 2010 conscription law which is increasing the number of displaced people. This measure continues to attempt to divide communities and fuel identity-based violence across Myanmar,” said the countries. In Rakhine State, towns and villages have been consistently targeted by the military regime and armed groups. We are concerned by recent reports of high levels of displacement in Buthidaung. The countries called on all armed actors to ensure the protection of civilians. “Deliberate use of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech is stoking sectarian and intercommunal conflict. Reports of forced recruitment, including of Rohingya, is further dividing communities, and exploiting tensions and mistrust.” “All populations are facing extreme levels of food insecurity. The situation is increasingly dangerous for all civilians, including Rakhine, Rohingya, and other ethnic communities,” said the countries in their joint statement. They said there must be accountability for all atrocities committed in Myanmar. “We recall the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures order and the need for compliance with it, to safeguard human rights and prevent violations.” The countries welcome the UN Security Council Resolution 2669 on the situation in Myanmar, calling for the immediate end to all forms of violence and urging all parties to respect human rights and to allow full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. They also welcome the appointment of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar (UNSE) and unified efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), UNSE, and regional actors to resolve the crisis. “We reiterate the need for strengthened UN leadership in the country.” The military regime must release all those arbitrarily detained and implement in full the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. “We call on all parties to create space for meaningful and inclusive dialogue, so that democracy can be restored in full,” said the joint statement. They remain resolute in their support for all those committed to working peacefully towards an inclusive, non-violent, and democratic future for the people of Myanmar. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday called for an end to renewed violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where reports have emerged of attacks against the minority Muslim Rohingya community, including beheadings and the razing of homes. Fierce battles have intensified between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group, displacing tens of thousands of people in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships in recent days. An estimated 45,000 Rohingya have reportedly fled to an area on the Naf River near the border with Bangladesh, seeking protection. Over one million Rohingya are already in the country, having fled past purges, according to the UN.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will attend the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) which will be held from May 27 to 30 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The Conference will be held at the American University of Antigua. The Foreign Minister left Dhaka on Saturday, a senior official told UNB. He will return home on June 2 via the Unite States, where he might have some engagements. US decision against former army chief Gen Aziz not under visa policy: Foreign Minister In St. John’s, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will serve as alternate head of delegation at the SIDS4. The Deputy Secretary will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to support SIDS to advance their sustainability and achieve their vision for resilient prosperity, according to the US Department of State. Under the overarching theme of “Charting the course toward resilient prosperity", the conference aims at assessing the ability of SIDS to achieve sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. It will result in an intergovernmentally agreed, focused, forward-looking and action-oriented political outcome document. Bangladeshi students in Kyrgyzstan capital are safe: Foreign Minister The UN Secretary-General has appointed the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua, as the Secretary-General of the Conference responsible for guiding the intergovernmental and logistical preparations for the Conference. He also appointed High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima, as Special Adviser for the Conference responsible for leading the advocacy and fundraising efforts. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) comprise 37 UN member nations and 20 associate members of regional commissions, uniquely and unfortunately positioned at the forefront of multiple global crises, notably climate change. These remote economies, prone to natural disasters were formally recognized as a special case both for their environment and development at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development  held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Occupying less than 0.5 percent of the world's surface, these nations are spread across three key regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea. In the face of escalating global crises, including climate change and COVID-19, SIDS find themselves on the frontline, constantly navigating through a cycle of environmental disasters and recovery efforts, which tests their resilience and ability to sustain their communities and economies. SIDS grapple with high import and export costs, heavy reliance on external markets and limited natural resources. Tourism, a vital sector constituting about 30 percent of their GDP, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Chowdhury has embarked on a seven-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman to expand the Middle East labour market and address temporary issues. He left Dhaka on Friday morning. During the visit, the state minister is scheduled to participate in several meetings in Dubai. He will meet with members of the Dubai Business Council. He will also meet with Bangladeshis working in Dubai, according to a media release from the ministry. Shofiqur will be present as chief guest at the Remittance Award-2023 organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in Dubai on Saturday. He will make a courtesy call on Qatar's Minister of Labour Ali bin Samikh Al Marri on May 27. He will also meet with Bangladeshi businessmen based in Qatar on the same day. He will also meet with Bangladeshi workers and community leaders, the release said.   The state minister will hold a courtesy call on Oman's Labour Minister Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baawain.He will also meet with the Bangladeshi business committee in Oman. He is scheduled to return home on May 31.    

The new EU directive, adopted on Friday, mandates large companies to ensure human rights respect throughout their value chains, signaling a transformative shift in corporate accountability, according to Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch released a detailed question-and-answer document outlining the provisions, strengths, and weaknesses of the new law. The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires large companies to conduct due diligence to identify, mitigate, prevent, and remedy harmful human rights and environmental impacts within their operations and value chains, including business partners involved in production, distribution, transport, and storage. BGMEA president seeks EU's support for RMG sector development “The EU’s Due Diligence Directive represents a landmark shift from voluntary corporate responsibility to mandatory obligations for corporations to prevent and address human rights abuses,” said Tirana Hassan, executive director of Human Rights Watch. “This groundbreaking law is a major victory for rights groups, trade unions, and civil society networks at the forefront of the fight for corporate accountability." Despite intense opposition from powerful corporate lobbyists, the directive stands as a testament to the perseverance of advocates for justice and accountability in the corporate sector. The directive provides for regulatory oversight and the possibility of initiating civil lawsuits against corporations in European courts. UK's BII supports MSMEs, women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh with $50m debt commitment to BRAC Bank Industrial disasters, such as those in the garment and textile industry, and widespread corporate abuses of human rights, labor rights, and environmental standards in global value chains have driven the push for binding legislation to hold companies accountable. These issues, along with their contributions to the climate crisis, have galvanized support for the directive. Support for the law has come from a broad coalition, including rights groups, trade unions, political leaders, and even businesses. However, the legislative process, which began in 2020, faced significant challenges, particularly from the governments of France, Italy, and Germany, which sought to weaken the law's provisions. Human Rights Watch warns that corporate influence over norm-setting should be closely monitored and curtailed to ensure strong protection of human rights and the environment. The coming years will be crucial for the robust implementation and enforcement of the law. Human Rights Watch urges the European Commission to monitor how EU member states incorporate the directive into their national laws and legal systems and to provide clear guidance on its implementation and enforcement. “This new law is a major step toward ensuring that corporations respect their responsibilities toward communities and the environment,” Hassan said. “The EU vote opens a new chapter for victims of harm caused by corporations.”

The first round of negotiations for the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held in Dhaka from May 19 to 23. The meeting was attended by, on the Japanese side, Taketani Atsushi, Ambassador in charge of Economic Diplomacy, Deputy Director-General, Economic Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from other relevant ministries. On the Bangladesh side, Dr Ahmad Munirus Saleheen, Chairman of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, and representatives from relevant ministries were present. In this round of negotiation, both sides exchanged their views on the method of negotiations and on a broad range of areas such as trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, investment, electronic commerce and intellectual property. Japan to send team next week for negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreement Both sides decided to work on scheduling the dates of the second round of negotiations through diplomatic channels, said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. On May 19, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori participated in the opening session of the negotiation with Ahasanul Islam Titu, State Minister for Commerce, Md Selim Uddin, new Secretary to Ministry of Commerce, Dr. Ahmad Munirus Saleheen, Chairman of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission and Chief negotiator of Bangladesh side. S Korea highlights importance of Economic Partnership Agreement with Bangladesh Earlier, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud expressed hope that an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would be concluded to get Japanese financial concessions by 2026 when Bangladesh will be graduated from LDC status. He thanked Japan for sending the trade negotiating team for the negotiations on the proposed EPA. Bangladesh considering Economic Partnership Agreement with S Korea to boost trade, investment: FM