United News of Bangladesh

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to strengthen their bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and find ways to boost cooperation for regional peace and prosperity. Minister Penny Wong was received at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by the Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Md Khurshed Alam. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Australia M. Allama Siddiki was also present. Australia is working with Bangladesh to deepen their cooperation, including on trade and investment, and find practical solutions to shared challenges such as climate change, regional maritime security and human trafficking, said the Australian Foreign Minister. "In Dhaka, I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and other members of the Bangladesh government," she said. She will meet Prime Minister Hasina at her official residence Gonobhaban at 4pm and will hold meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan at 5pm today. Australia FM to discuss climate change, regional maritime security, bilateral issues with PM Hasina, FM Tuesday Australia and Bangladesh have significant people-to-people links, with over 50,000 people in Australia born in Bangladesh. "I will also travel to Cox's Bazar, where I will see how Australia's humanitarian assistance is delivering practical support to displaced Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities," Penny Wong said. Australia's humanitarian assistance is part of a global effort to address the causes of displacement, find durable solutions, and ultimately allow Rohingya to realise their goal of returning to their homeland, according to the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. She is travelling to Bangladesh to advance Australia's interests in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region, said the Australian Minister. She also said, "As Australia enhances our engagement with the Indian Ocean region, I am pleased to undertake my first visit to Bangladesh." A small delegation including Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan will accompany the Australian foreign minister, a senior official told UNB. Australian FM's Visit: Trade, investment, Rohingya, regional security to get priority Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he looks forward to working with PM Hasina to strengthen the bilateral relationship and together contribute to regional peace, prosperity and security. “As Indian Ocean nations, we share an interest in a region that is grounded in sovereignty, promotes the prosperity and security of our citizens, and addresses the threat of climate change," he said in a letter written to PM Hasina congratulating on her reelection in January. The Australian PM highlighted the importance of their partnership in promoting "peace, prosperity and security" in the Indian Ocean. He affirmed his support for growing bilateral and regional cooperation between Australia and Bangladesh. “We have many common interests in increasing our trade and investment, promoting human rights, cooperating on people smuggling and addressing the Rohingya issue,” Albanese wrote. The two countries are scheduled to hold the 5th Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Australia next month, said an official. The 4th FOC was held in Dhaka in March last year. The two-way trade now stands at around $4bn, reflecting Bangladesh’s significant economic growth and its highly complementary commercial strengths.

The U.S. Department of State has announced the public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, it said "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Read more: Australia FM to discuss climate change, regional maritime security, bilateral issues with PM Hasina, FM Tuesday Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit, the Srate Department claimed. "This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. The United States supports anticorruption efforts in Bangladesh through assistance to make government services more transparent and affordable, improve the business and regulatory environment, and build capacity in investigating and prosecuting money laundering and other financial crimes. These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Read more: Bangladeshi students in Kyrgyzstan capital are safe: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said that there have been no reports of any serious injuries or casualties among Bangladeshi students regarding the recent attacks on foreign students by locals in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. “Our ambassador stationed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the neighbouring country, has been asked to go there. He will reach Bishkek in the afternoon (local time), inquire about Bangladeshi students, and hold discussions with the Kyrgyz foreign and interior ministries and relevant authorities to take appropriate steps,” the foreign minister said. “Conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan; no Bangladeshi student severely injured”: Foreign Minister Hasan was speaking to journalists at his ministry in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha on Monday afternoon. When asked about a student's open letter requesting repatriation, the minister said that no student had made such a request. Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Panicked Bangladeshi students want to return home for a few weeks He also informed that he will have a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday afternoon during her visit to Dhaka. The meeting, which will be held at the Padma State Guest House, will focus on bilateral issues, including Australian investment in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi migration, seasonal employment, the welfare of expatriates there, and cooperation on energy and environmental conservation, added the foreign minister. Mob Violence in Kyrgyzstan: What We know So far

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrives in Dhaka on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to strengthen their bilateral relationship with Bangladesh and find ways to boost cooperation for regional peace, prosperity and security. Australia is working with Bangladesh to deepen their cooperation, including on trade and investment, and to find practical solutions to shared challenges such as climate change, regional maritime security and people smuggling, she said. Australian FM's Visit: Trade, investment, Rohingya, regional security to get priority "In Dhaka, I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and other members of the Bangladeshgovernment," said the Australian Foreign Minister on Monday. Australia and Bangladesh have significant people-to-people links, with over 50,000 people in Australia born in Bangladesh. "I will also travel to Cox's Bazar, where I will see how Australia's humanitarian assistance is delivering practical support to displaced Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities," she said. Australian PM together with PM Hasina keen to contribute to regional peace, prosperity, security Australia's humanitarian assistance is part of a global effort to address the causes of displacement, find durable solutions, and ultimately allow Rohingya to realise their goal of returning to their homeland, according to the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. "I will travel to Bangladesh and Singapore to advance Australia's interests in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region," said the Australian Minister. She also said, "As Australia enhances our engagement with the Indian Ocean region, I am pleased to undertake my first visit to Bangladesh." A small delegation including Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Michelle Chan will accompany the Australian foreign minister, a senior official told UNB Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he looks forward to working with PM Hasina to strengthen the bilateral relationship and together contribute to regional peace, prosperity and security. “As Indian Ocean nations, we share an interest in a region that is grounded in sovereignty, promotes the prosperity and security of our citizens, and addresses the threat of climate change," he said in a letter written to PM Hasina congratulating on her reelection in January. The Australian PM highlighted the importance of their partnership in promoting "peace, prosperity and security" in the Indian Ocean. He affirmed his support for growing bilateral and regional cooperation between Australia and Bangladesh. “We have many common interests in increasing our trade and investment, promoting human rights, cooperating on people smuggling and addressing the Rohingya issue,” Albanese wrote. Bangladesh and Australia have already signed a framework agreement to open newer trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA), the first of this kind between Australia and Bangladesh in the last five decades, is expected to provide a platform for institutionalised economic interactions and open newer opportunities for trade and investment. In May last year, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts visited Bangladesh. During the visit he said Bangladesh and Australia work closely together to promote their shared interests in regional peace and security, and have a growing trade and investment relationship. Welcoming Bangladesh’s Indo-Pacific Outlook, he said Australia seeks a region where “no country dominates, and no countries are dominated,” and the country thinks building a region like that requires efforts by all countries in the region. “We welcome the Bangladesh government’s Indo-Pacific Outlook in that context. I particularly welcome the point in the Indo-Pacific Outlook that argues for an inclusive region,” Watts said while responding to a question from UNB in a group session at that time. Australia recently sent a defence advisor to its High Commission in Dhaka, and, reciprocally, they welcome a defence advisor from Bangladesh in Australia. From Australia's perspective, the defence adviser is a symbol of their "intention and willingness" to cooperate on defence matters. The two countries are scheduled to hold the 5th Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in Australia next month, said an official. The 4th FOC was held in Dhaka in March last year. The two-way trade now stands at around $4bn, reflecting Bangladesh’s significant economic growth and its highly complementary commercial strengths. Singapore Visit She will leave for Singapore from Dhaka, her second as Foreign Minister. "It is an opportunity to discuss trade and investment, green economy opportunities, defence and security, and our close cooperation on shared regional challenges," she said The Australian Foreign Minister looks forward to meetings with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. Singapore is one of Australia’s closest friends and partners, and our relationship is based on mutual trust, respect, and shared strategic perspectives.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the deaths of Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian and members of the entourage in a helicopter crash. In a condolence message to Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber , the President said, "President Raisi's visionary approach  as well as courage and dignity in dealing with difficult issues stand as a model  and inspiration for all of us. Iran has lost a wise and erudite leader whose empathy with the people made him outstanding PM Hasina expresses deep condolences over deaths of Iranian President, Foreign Minister The President prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members and the brotherly people of Iran.

The government of Bangladesh will have high-level discussions this week with the Director for the Danish National Research Centre for Working Environment, Steffen Bohni on the development of a research strategy for the nearly completed NOSHTRI in Rajshahi. The government of Bangladesh and the government of Denmark are hosting a strategy workshop in Dhaka on May 22-23 to develop the research strategy for National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute ( NOSHTRI), with follow-up discussions in Rajshahi on May 25. NOSHTRI is envisioned to become a cornerstone for promoting a preventative safety culture in workplaces across Bangladesh. Carnival on International Mother Language Day held in Malaysia There is an untapped potential for research and data to inform policy-making on occupational safety and health, enforcement, and good practices in work places. The institute, situated in Rajshahi, is a significant investment by the Government of Bangladesh of approximately Tk 1.6 billion. It aims to deliver research on workplace health and safety and training for workers and employers. Learning materials have been developed covering various occupational safety and health issues, from boiler safety to ergonomics. Denmark, ILO and GIZ have played significant roles in supporting the training activities. This workshop will bring together stakeholders from civil society, academia, the Department for Inspection of Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and international partners. Bangladesh Embassy organises 5-day art festival in Nepal The importance of establishing international and local partnerships and using research to improve workplace safety and health will be key discussion points. The research strategy at NOSHTRI is expected to lead to data-driven research with an impact on decision-making at policy and factory levels that can significantly benefit millions of workers in Bangladesh.

A carnival and prize giving ceremony on art and essay competition of school students was held at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The carnival was held on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day. Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur participated at the carnival as a strategic partner. Inter-School Bangla Olympiad held Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh High Commission, was present as the chief guest in the event. While paying rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and language martyrs, he said that International Mother Language Day has now become a day of celebration of linguistic diversity around the world. He also highlighted the historical perspective of International Mother Language Day. On behalf of the UNESCO National Commission, Tamil Foundation Malaysia, LLG Cultural Development Center, IKRAM and JOAS organized the event as a main organizer where KLSCAH, Jiao Zong, Merdeka University, KLF and some other NGOs were the joint organizers and GBM (Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia) and IPPN (Inisiatif Penislahan Pendidikan Nasional) were another two the strategic partners in the program. Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia set up a well-decorated stall at the carnival showcasing the rich culture and long heritage of Bangladesh. International Mother Language Day helps promote cultural diversity Books written on the Language Movement and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were displayed. In addition, a photo exhibition was displayed on the language movement. A documentary on the Language Movement was also screened. Besides, the Bangladesh High Commission distributed prizes to the winner students. Elanjelian Venugopal, President of Tamil Foundation, Stanley Yong, Chairman of GBM and Kugeneswaran Tamilmany organizing Chairman of MLD/HBIA delivered a speech mentioning the spirit of the unity of all language speakers in the celebration of International Mother Language Day. They stated the Day as a powerful and inspiring expression of unity. The event was attended by around 200 students from different schools in Malaysia. Through this arrangement, Malaysian citizens, especially students, had an opportunity to learn about the glorious history of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and Deputy High Commission in Kolkata are in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs, India regarding alleged eotssfmissing of Anwarul Azim Anar, MP. The Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has sent formal communication to the MEA Branch Secretariat in Kolkata on May 19, seeking support of the MEA for locating and rescuing the MP," a senior official told UNB. The Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is aware of the issue and they have been working closely with the law enforcement authorities of West Bengal since Saturday, he said. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has also been following up with the MEA in New Delhi, said the official. Anwarul Azim Anar, the lawmaker from Jhenaidah-4 constituency, has been missing since at least May 14, having gone on a medical trip to India on May 11. “His whereabouts are still unknown. Family members and party activists could not reach him after May 14 (Tuesday),” the MP's personal assistant Abdur Rauf said. He also said “Anar went to India for medical treatment on May 11. He maintained contact with his family members till May 14. Since then, all communication with him has been lost. His WhatsApp number is also unreachable.”

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and Deputy High Commission in Kolkata are in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs, India regarding reported missing of Anwarul Azim Anar, MP. "The Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has sent formal communication to the MEA Branch Secretariat in Kolkata on May 19, seeking support of the MEA for locating and rescuing the MP," a senior official told UNB. The Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is aware of the issue and they have been working closely with the law enforcement authorities of West Bengal since Saturday, he said. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has also been following up with the MEA in New Delhi, said the official. Anwarul Azim Anar, the lawmaker from Jhenaidah-4 constituency, has been missing since at least May 14, having gone on a medical trip to India on May 11. “His whereabouts are still unknown. Family members and party activists could not reach him after May 14 (Tuesday),” the MP Anar's personal assistant, Abdur Rauf said. He also said “Anar went to India for medical treatment on May 11. He maintained contact with his family members till May 14. Since then, all communication with him has been lost. His WhatsApp number is also unreachable.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has appealed to Bangladesh to once again extend protection to vulnerable people seeking safety, and for the international community to provide all necessary support. “I am deeply alarmed by reports of renewed violence and property destruction in Buthidaung township in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state, resulting in the displacement of potentially tens of thousands of civilians, mainly Rohingya," he said on Sunday, commenting on violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.  Bangladesh is now shouldering the burden of 1.3 million Rohingyas and seeking international community's support for their safe repatriation first.   With inter-communal tensions between ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya high – and being actively stoked by the military – this is a critical period when the risk of yet further atrocity crimes is particularly acute, Türk said in a message issued from Geneva.  "While we seek to corroborate information indicating serious violations, I appeal directly to the Myanmar military and Arakan Army to pause the fighting, protect civilians, allow immediate and unhindered humanitarian access, and comply fully and unconditionally with international law – including the measures already ordered by the International Court of Justice for the protection of Rohingya," he said. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh has been following the path of "negotiations" through diplomatic channels avoiding provocations from Myanmar and other international actors. "There were provocations from Myanmar and other international actors. We did not step into those provocations. Rather, we have taken the path of negotiations. We are following the diplomatic path to seek a solution to the crisis and repatriation is the only solution," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club.