United News of Bangladesh

At the invitation of the Interim Government, a UN Human Rights Office fact-finding team is conducting an independent and impartial investigation into alleged human rights violations that took place between July 1 and August 15 this year, arising from the recent protests. The fact-finding team is mandated to establish facts, identify responsibilities, analyze root causes, and make concrete recommendations for Bangladesh to address past human rights violations and prevent their recurrence. Individuals, groups, and organizations are invited to provide first-hand information that is not already on social media or otherwise in the public domain concerning the period of July 1 to August 15 2024 and human rights violations and abuses in the context of the protests during that period. Submissions should be sent to [email protected]. The team also plans to conduct interviews with victims, law enforcement officers, medical practitioners, and witnesses. The fact-finding mission is not a criminal investigation and is conducted independently of any national criminal justice process. The fact-finding process is strictly confidential. The team will not be conducting any media interviews during the investigation phase. "We appeal for respect for the confidentiality of the fact-finding process," said the UN Human Rights Office. After its on-site examination and data analysis, the UN Human Rights Office will publish a detailed human rights report containing key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Bangladeshi landowners are set to regain around 200 acres of land previously lost to India due to the erosion of the Padma River along the Daulatpur border in Kushtia.A joint decision to resurvey the disputed land and return it to the rightful owners was reached in a meeting held between senior officials of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday.The land in question, located in the Challishpara area of Ramkrishnapur union in Daulatpur upazila, has been under dispute due to shifts in the Padma River's course and natural disasters, which disorganised international boundary pillars over a stretch of three kilometers. The problem was first identified in a survey conducted earlier this year.Lieutenant Colonel M Mahbub Murshed Rahman, Commander of BGB's 47th Battalion, confirmed the matter. "It has been agreed to conduct a resurvey of the disputed land and return it to the rightful owners."During the survey on February 10, it was revealed that about 200 acres of Bangladeshi land had ended up inside Indian territory, and approximately 40 acres of Indian land in Bangladesh territory. Both countries are now preparing to officially correct the boundaries in October.Sunday's meeting, held at the border pillar 152/7-S of Jamalpur Border Outpost in Mahishkundi, Daulatpur, also addressed broader issues such as preventing border killings and tackling drug trafficking. The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Lt. Col. Rahman, while Commandant Vikram Dev Singh of the Rowshanbagh Battalion represented BSF.Lt Col Rahman emphasized that until the resurvey is complete, no one will be allowed to utilize the disputed land. He also conveyed Bangladesh's strong protest against recent border killings, urging BSF to refrain from detaining innocent citizens and prevent illegal cross-border activities, particularly in the lead-up to the Durga Puja.

The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide $2.5 billion in Bangladesh to reform the banking and financial sector. The $2.5 billion loan will be provided in several packages, of which the World Bank will provide $1 billion and ADB will give $1.5 billion. This loan can be used as a support for the modernization and capacity building of Bangladesh Bank, including banking sector reforms. Bangladesh Bank (BB) had a separate meeting with the two global lenders. The central bank spokesperson Husne Ara Shikha said that the loan assistance was assured in the meeting on Sunday. She said that the World Bank has announced to provide loan assistance of $1.0 under three conditions for the reform of the bank and financial sector of Bangladesh. But now the World Bank will pay $750 million for policy assistance. This support will be available in December. Another $250 million loan assistance will be given as an investment loan and guarantee facility. ADB will give $1.5 billion. In the first tranche, ADB will give $500 million. The next two phases will provide another $1.0 billion. She also said that Bangladesh has to fulfill certain conditions to get the loan. These include the creation of asset management companies in the private sector, new definitions of defaulted loans in international standards, and the audit firm's report on the newly formed task force. However, 50 percent of the conditions have already been reformed, said the central bank officials. The BB Governor Dr. Ahsan H Mansur held a meeting in the central bank with Brent Neiman, Assistant Undersecretary for International Financial Affairs of the United States Department of Revenue and Finance. The meeting discussed how to improve the macroeconomy. In this, various issues including inflation, money laundering, and growth came up. The governor informed about the various steps taken by the central bank because of the overall situation to protect the stability of the country's economy. The governor was assured that the United States would provide all kinds of support to reform the financial sector.

Bangladesh has conveyed to the United States that the Rohingya crisis should be resolved and stressed on addressing the root-cause to find a lasting and permanent solution.  "We told them that this issue should be resolved. We stressed on addressing the root cause. They appreciate this (Bangladesh position)," Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters at state guesthouse Padma after a meeting with the US delegation on Sunday.  The Bangladesh side drew the attention of the Americans regarding the recent developments.  Over 8000 Rohingyas entered Bangladesh recently.  Bangladesh is already hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.  A six-member interagency U.S. delegation, led by Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the U.S. Department of Treasury, along with Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs met the Foreign Secretary at the State guesthouse Padma and discussed issues of mutual interest. The US delegation also included Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Brandon Lynch, and Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID, Anjali Kaur.  The Foreign Secretary briefed the delegation on the steps already taken by the interim government on various reforms. Discussions touched on key issues, including financial sector and revenue reforms, currency management, trade and investment, climate change, law enforcement reforms and Rohingya humanitarian responses. Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bangladesh Bank, participated in the meeting. Earlier, the US delegation paid courtesy calls on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain and Adviser for Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. 

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has reiterated the commitment of Bangladesh to BIMSTEC and assured its unwavering support to the Secretariat. He said BIMSTEC has made remarkable strides in advancing the shared vision and common interests of the people of the Bay of Bengal region. He called upon BIMSTEC member States to engage in result-oriented cooperation, delivering tangible benefits on the ground. The Secretariat of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Dhaka celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment recently. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain joined as the chief guest. He was joined by ambassadors and high commissioners of BIMSTEC member States, other invitees and members of BIMSTEC Secretariat. Welcoming the guests, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, Indra Mani Pandey underscored the critical role of the Secretariat in implementing the regional cooperation initiatives under BIMSTEC in accordance with its mandate, pointing out that the role of the Secretariat has evolved over the years and will expand further in future. He thanked the government of Bangladesh for hosting and extending its full support to the Secretariat. The signing of the Memorandum of Association of the establishment of the BIMSTEC Permanent Secretariat at the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit in held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar in March 2014 and the subsequent ceremonial inauguration of the Permanent Secretariat in September 2014 marked the birth of the BIMSTEC Secretariat.

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken has said the United States will continue to support free and fair elections, to fight corruption, to protect human rights, and to promote inclusive governance globally.  "We call on all governments to join us in these efforts and commend the reformers working tirelessly around the globe to advance democratic progress," he said marking the International Day of Democracy on Sunday.  In 2024, he said, a historic number of elections are taking place, giving a record number of people around the world the chance to make their voices heard.  Ensuring all citizens can participate in those elections strengthens democracies and ensures they are better able to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face, Blinken said. "On this International Day of Democracy, we celebrate democracy as the single most powerful tool for unleashing human potential and delivering results for people everywhere and underscore our commitment to safeguard and accelerate democratic renewal around the globe," said the US Secretary of State.  

Adviser of the interim government for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has sought the cooperation of the Swiss government in the fields of renewable energy and advanced technology. He also invited Swiss businessmen to participate in the development of Bangladesh and invest in business. He made the call when Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli met him on Sunday. The Swiss envoy was leading a delegation in the meeting in the adviser's room in the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources at the Secretariat. The Advisor discussed the activities he has undertaken in a short time after taking charge to ensure transparency and accountability in the power and energy sector. He welcomed Swiss companies to participate in various development activities of Bangladesh. Fouzul Kabir said that he recently visited the Matabari power plant project. The project also includes deep sea ports, economic zones, railways and road projects. But it is not possible to get real benefits from just setting up power plants, until other projects are implemented. He observed that a huge number of unplanned development projects in the power and energy sector had been taken up and implemented during the previous government's tenure. “In most cases projects have been implemented at a cost much higher than the reasonable one which has not been value for money”. He said that from now on, he will give importance to implementation of big projects with small projects at low cost.  He also noted that emphasis will also be laid on renewable energy generation and use of environment-friendly energy. Swiss envoy Reto Renggli welcomed the adviser for assuming offices of three important ministries and said it is a very challenging task. The ambassador appreciated the steps taken by the current government in a short period of time. He expressed hope that the measures taken including the suspension of the controversial law in the power and energy sector and the cancellation of Section 34A of the BERC Act, introducing the open tender process in government procurement, removal of the secretaries from the post of chairman of the companies under their control will play a significant role in ensuring transparency and accountability. The Ambassador assured that the offer of investment and technology assistance to Bangladesh will be seriously considered.   

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday said there was no discussion beyond Bangladesh-US issues with the visiting delegation, stressing that there are separate bilateral platforms for discussion with each bilateral partner. "It is a bilateral relationship that we have with each country," he said, adding that they had no discussion regarding the neighboring country. The Foreign Secretary made the remarks when a TV journalist drew his attention claiming that there are efforts from a neighbouring country to make Bangladesh "unstable" in many ways. Another journalist referred to US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu's visit to New Delhi before his arrival in Dhaka and wanted to know whether any message on that front or any such discussion with Bangladesh. In reply, the Foreign Secretary said there is Indian High Commission in Dhaka and there is Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. "These are the platforms for us to discuss any issues of bilateral interest," he added. Earlier, Jashim Uddin said the government wants to move to a mutually beneficial relationship with everyone. On the possibility of meeting US President Joe Biden at the UNGA in New York by Chief Adviser Prof Yunus later this month, the Foreign Secretary said the US President does not hold any bilateral meetings when he goes to UNGA. But there is likely to be a reception and if their schedules are matched, they may get a chance to meet each other, he added. The US side said they are committed to helping expand economic opportunities, build institutional capacity, uphold human rights, and mitigate climate risks with their partner - Bangladesh. Assistant Secretary for International Finance at the US Department of the Treasury Brent Neiman, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, among others, joined the meeting.

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim on Sunday laid emphasis on strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia exploring potential areas for mutual benefits. While delivering the keynote speech, the High Commissioner focused on the need to broaden Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with Malaysia in the areas of trade and investment, labour migration, technological and industrial cooperation, human resource and skills development, diplomatic cooperation and cultural exchanges, etc. She also talked about the overall nature of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations and provided insightful guidelines for deepening these in the days ahead. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Country Lecture Series (CLS) titled “Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations: Moving towards Prosperity” at the BIISS auditorium. Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador M Riaz Hamidullah graced the event as special guest. Chairman, BIISS Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session while Director General, BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis delivered the welcome address. An open discussion session was held to gather insights from the audience as to how Bangladesh-Malaysia relations can be strengthened in the coming days. As a flagship event, BIISS introduced the Country Lecture Series in 2013. The objectives of this Lecture Series have been to enhance knowledge and understanding of Bangladesh regarding the partner countries and to study the relationship between Bangladesh and a particular development partner country to explore further scope and potential of the bilateral relationships. This is the maiden session of the BIISS Country Lecture Series 2024 after a long gap due to Covid-19. Senior officials from different ministries, ambassadors, high commissioners, former diplomats, senior military officials, media, researchers, businesspeople, teachers, and students from various universities, representatives from different think tanks, international organisations, participated in the CLS and during the open discussion session.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) South Asia Director General Takeo Konishi on Sunday said the ADB has a long history of working in Bangladesh and would be keen to support the interim government to initiate vital structural reforms in the country. During a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Konishi said there was room for policy-based lending to Bangladesh as the interim government stepped up efforts to stabilise the economy. "We're in a ground zero situation. Everything needs to be done as quickly as possible," the Chief Adviser told the ADB delegation. The senior delegation of the Asian Development Bank, led by its South Asia Director General Takeo Konishi, called on Chief Adviser at the State guesthouse Jamuna. The Chief Adviser said the student-led revolution had given Bangladesh a new opportunity to rebuild the institutions "piece by piece." During the meeting, the government's newly launched financial sector reforms, key economic issues such as digitalisation of the tax data; data transparency, energy, private sector, and investment were discussed. Chief Adviser’s special envoy on international affairs Lutfey Siddiqi observed that dynamics in the foreign exchange market and its interplay with reserves and remittances are already showing signs of improvement. "There is a noticeable uplift in confidence and credibility on that front," Chief Adviser’s press wing quoted Siddiqi as saying. Senior secretary and the head of SDG affairs Lamiya Morshed, senior adviser of ADB Edimon Ginting, country director designate Hoe Yun Jeong and deputy country director Jiangbo Ning were present in the meeting.