United News of Bangladesh

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has inaugurated the new visa application centre with the VFS Global to facilitate travel for Bangladesh residents. “The Embassy of France is very happy to inaugurate this new visa application centre. The aim of outsourcing the collection of visa applications is to facilitate travel for Bangladesh residents," she said on Tuesday. VFS Global on Wednesday (September 17) started accepting short-term and long-term visa applications for France at the visa application center located at 118 Gulshan Avenue. Appointment bookings have already started, and applicants can book them via VFS Global by visiting https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/fra/. This shift will increase the number of daily applications submitted, reduce the waiting time to get appointments, modernise payment options and generally improve applicant experience via a specialised centre, said the Ambassador. She emphasised the fact that VFS Global’s responsibility will be limited to welcome the applicants and collect their application files. "The processing of visa applications will continue to be the sole responsibility of the Embassy," the Ambassador said. At the inauguration event, VFS Global’s spokesperson for Bangladesh said this visa application center will play an important role in meeting the growing demand for travel to France. "The global experience of VFS Global will make France’s visa services easier and hassle-free for the citizens of Bangladesh," he said. Since 2004, VFS Global has been serving as a trusted partner of the government of France in visa processing services. Currently, the organization provides France visa services in 29 countries through 70 dedicated Visa Application Centres worldwide. This spacious, state-of-the-art facility will be supported by well-trained customer service representatives who will guide applicants through every stage of the visa process. Designed for convenience, the centre offers multiple benefits, including flexible payment options (cash, card, and online), easy appointment booking, and extended operating hours for both application submission and passport collection. "We are excited to expand our partnership further. We are confident that these visa application centers will support the rising demand for travel between the two nations by making the application submission process even smoother and seamless thereby enhancing customer

Nine young women who once toiled on garment production lines are now pursuing higher education, swapping sewing machines and fabric samples for lecture halls and textbooks as they reshape their futures through learning. They all are now attending classes at the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chattogram, said a media release on Wednesday. This is the remarkable reality made possible by collaboration between Team Group and Inditex. Nishat Anjum Nijhum was junior quality inspector, Sumaiya Akter was junior quality inspector,  Sumaiya Misu was junior operator, Mousume Akter was junior operator, Nipa Moni Akter was junior needle issue girl and Mumtarin Ferdous was employed as peon at 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd, a concern of Team Group. While Trisha Moni was junior quality inspector, Tania Akther as junior quality inspector, and Sumaiya Khatun was employed as operator at Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing & Garments Industries Ltd, another concern of Team Group. The workers completed higher secondary education (HSC). But after the HSC they dropped out and to take the responsibilities of their families they entered the jobs. Graduation was their cherished dream which they thought would never be fulfilled. Their dreams came true when Team Group announced Inditex scholarships for its female workers to study at the university. Through exams they were found eligible to study in the graduation course. Team Group facilitated the whole assessment process and guided them throughout the exam period. They already started classes at the AUW. They enrolled there for 5 years – 2 years foundation course and afterwards 3 years graduation course. During the 5 years course, Inditex will be taking care of their tuition fee, lodging, food and monthly stipend to support their families. Deputy Managing Director of Team Group Abdullah Hil Nakib on Wednesday said: “I really hope to see them successful in the coming years. And also like to see all of them as stars in the unlimited sky of Team Group.” “When these individuals complete their degrees and return to Team Group, they won’t be walking back to the same positions they left. Rather they’ll return as officers, managers, and leaders. This is what empowerment looks like when it moves beyond words into transformative action”, he added.  

Yao Wen, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam on Monday to discuss bilateral relations and other issues. During the meeting, both sides engaged in detailed discussions on China-Bangladesh relations, practical cooperation, President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), and areas of mutual concern. Ambassador Yao highlighted that ties between China and Bangladesh have been progressing steadily, with smooth cooperation and growing friendship. He emphasized that China is committed to working with Bangladesh to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of both countries. Regarding the GGI, Ambassador Yao explained that the initiative offers a “Chinese solution” to global governance challenges. He invited Bangladesh to actively participate in cooperation under the GGI framework alongside other countries, aiming to promote a fairer and more equitable global governance system. Foreign Secretary Siam expressed Bangladesh’s appreciation for President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative and welcomed the opportunity for engagement. He also acknowledged the positive development in bilateral relations and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s interest in enhancing practical cooperation across multiple sectors to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive development in Bangladesh, pledging to ensure no one is left behind while supporting the rights of indigenous communities and minority groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and across the country. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke visited the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) from September 15 to 16 to witness firsthand the impact of UK-funded health programmes supporting marginalised communities in the region. During her visit to Khagrachari and Rangamati, the High Commissioner saw how funding from the UK government, in partnership with the government of Bangladesh, the UN and local partners, has helped improve maternal and child health in the Hill Tracts. Visiting local health centres, she observed how the UK Government has supported mothers to give birth safely, access family planning and also access life-saving cervical cancer screening for the first time. The UK is also funding education programmes in the region, to strengthen government education systems and provide catch-up education to help previously out-of-school children, especially girls, return to mainstream education, said the High Commission. UK envoy Sarah Cooke happy with Yunus’ visit to Britain High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said she was delighted to visit the Chattogram Hill Tracts for the first time as High Commissioner. "I’ve really enjoyed seeing the beautiful natural landscape as well as the warmth and hospitality of the people," she said. “I am proud that, through our partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and our UN and local partners, the UK has supported marginalised and indigenous communities access improved health services and get an education in some of the most remote parts of the country.” Between 2020 and 2024, UK-funded health programmes, implemented by UNFPA, supported over 12,000 safe births through trained midwives. Bangladesh's UK envoy expresses allegiance to upcoming interim govt And more than 8,000 women have received cervical cancer screening. Through the Educate the Most Disadvantaged Children programme, funded by the UK and implemented by UNICEF, children are receiving catch-up education. In Bandarban, over 2,700 children, around half of which are girls, have been supported and are now continuing formal education.

Bangladesh will now face competition from Cyprus and Palestine in the race for the presidency of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026-2027 term, following Palestine’s entry as the third candidate. Bangladesh had announced its candidacy around four-five years ago during the Awami League government. "We announced our candidacy four years ago. Initially, our competition was with Cyprus. Palestine came much later and announced its candidacy without even contacting us, which is normally expected," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s nominee for the position, told reporters on Tuesday. Criticising recent media headlines, Hossain said the headline was written as ‘Bangladesh faces Palestine' but it should have been ‘Palestine faces Bangladesh,’ since Bangladesh declared its candidacy much earlier. The presidency of the UNGA rotates among five regional groups. For the 81st session, it is the turn of the Asia-Pacific region. Three countries from the region—Bangladesh, Palestine, and Cyprus—are now in the running. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986, when the then Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury was elected as President of the 41st General Assembly. Forty years later, Bangladesh is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate beginning on September 22, 2026. Elections are scheduled for June 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already finalised its diplomatic campaign and election strategy and the upcoming UNGA will be an occasion to engage extensively. If elected, Hossain will become the second Bangladeshi to serve as President of the UNGA.

China has said Bangladesh is welcome to participate in cooperation under the framework of the Global Governance Initiative(GGI) together with other countries to build a more just and equitable global governance system. The Global Governance Initiative(GGI) initiated by President Xi Jinping provides a "Chinese solution" to addressing global governance challenges. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said this during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam on Monday. The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on Bangladesh-China relations, practical cooperation, the Global Governance Initiative, and regional and international issues of common concern. Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh-China relations have maintained a sound momentum of development with smooth bilateral cooperation and deepened friendship. China's some CGI principles consistent with Bangladesh policy: Govt He said China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to continuously implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. Foreign Secretary Siam said the Bangladeshi side welcomes and appreciates the Global Governance Initiative initiated by President Xi, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. The Bangladesh side also expressed its satisfaction with the positive progress made in bilateral relations. Bangladesh also reiterated its willingness to strengthen practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Tuesday praised the leadership of Prof Muhammad Yunus, crediting him for Bangladesh’s remarkable economic turnaround since assuming office as chief adviser of the interim government. Georgieva spoke with Prof Yunus over the phone from Washington, D.C., in the evening, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. During their conversation, they discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing economic reforms, the regional landscape, and key challenges facing the country ahead of the general election scheduled for February. “I am impressed by what you have achieved,” said Georgieva, referring to the state of the economy when Professor Yunus assumed leadership in August last year. “You’ve done so much in such a short time. You took responsibility for your country when the risk of deterioration was very high. You are the right person at the right time,” she added. Georgieva particularly commended the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market and the recovery of foreign reserves following the government’s bold decision to introduce market-based exchange rate. Prof Yunus thanked the IMF managing director for her steadfast support during one of the most critical junctures in Bangladesh’s history. “Thank you for the wonderful support,” he said. He recalled their first meeting during the UN General Assembly in New York last year, noting that it played a pivotal role in fostering the country's path to economic recovery. US envoy Haas meets WB, IMF chiefs in Dhaka Reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to a timely and credible election, Prof Yunus stated that the polls would be held before the holy month of Ramadan in February. He reiterated that he would return to his previous work following the election. During their conversation, the IMF chief emphasised the importance of increasing domestic revenue and implementing bold reforms in the banking sector. “To be in a strong position, reform is inevitable. This is such a precious moment in the history of Bangladesh,” Georgieva said, urging the Chief Adviser to pursue deeper reforms in the months ahead. Prof Yunus outlined key measures already undertaken by his government, including restructuring efforts in the banking sector and initiatives to enhance revenue collection. “We inherited a devastated and completely broken economy. Some individuals literally stole money in bags from banks and fled the country,” he remarked. Govt won’t raise power tariff despite pressure from IMF: Energy Adviser The two leaders also discussed regional developments, including the ongoing youth uprising in Nepal and Bangladesh’s ambition to join ASEAN. Professor Yunus shared updates on Dhaka’s major infrastructure drive, including new port and terminal projects aimed at enhancing regional integration. Finance Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed and Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder were present during the call.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to reach New York on September 22 to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he will engage in a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the event in addition to delivering his official statement at the UNGA. At the General Debate (Sept 23-27 & 29), the annual meeting of heads of state and government at the beginning of the General Assembly session, world leaders will make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, officials told UNB. "Eighty years ago, from the ashes of war, the world planted a seed of hope. One Charter, one vision, one promise: that peace is possible when humanity stands together,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. President of the 80th session of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock has outlined her vision under the theme “Better Together,” emphasizing unity, solidarity and collective action. The 80th UNGA Under the theme ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights’ comes at a pivotal moment to renew global commitment to multilateralism, solidarity and shared action for people and planet. ICC opens inquiry into Hungary for failing to arrest Netanyahu This year’s high-level week highlights the urgency of delivering on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and reinvigorating global cooperation. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will brief the media regarding the Chief Adviser’s participation at the UNGA on Wednesday, a senior official said. The briefing will be held at the Foreign Service Academy at 5:30pm. The UN General Assembly will hold a high-level plenary meeting to address the crisis facing Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Prof Yunus will attend the meeting on September 30 that aims to sustain international attention, review the situation on the ground, and propose a concrete, time-bound plan for a sustainable resolution—including efforts to ensure the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced communities. With the pace and scale of the climate crisis growing across the globe, the UN Secretary-General is convening a Climate Summit on September 24 to serve as a platform for world leaders to present their new national climate action plans and seize the benefits of the new clean energy era. Ahead of COP30 in Brazil, the Summit will focus on demonstrating commitment and accelerating action to protect people and the planet in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. On September 22, there will be a high-level meeting to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. This one-hour meeting will mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, with UN officials and heads of state and government reflecting on the achievements of the past eight decades and the path ahead for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system. Hungary plans to withdraw from International Criminal Court as Netanyahu arrives despite warrant On September 22, the United Nations will resume the high-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. The conference will reaffirm international commitments to the two-State solution and seek to mobilize support for its implementation.

Brazil Chief Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin has assured full cooperation to accelerate Bangladesh’s ongoing judicial digitalisation drive by sharing its expertise in e-filing, digital case management, video conferencing, and online dispute resolution. The assurance came when Bangladesh Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed met with the Chief Justice of the National High Court of Brazil Antonio Herman Benjamin on Monday, said a press release on Tuesday. During the meeting, significant progress was made regarding the exchange of judicial technologies between the two countries. Both sides agreed that digital transformation is having a profound impact on ensuring justice in today’s modern world. The sharing of Brazil’s technological expertise, innovations, and digital infrastructure with Bangladesh’s judiciary was highlighted as a means to significantly advance the digitalization of the court management system in Bangladesh. Justice Benjamin assured that Brazil would extend its full cooperation in this regard. The meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation between the judiciaries of the two countries, exchanging experiences and best practices, sharing technological innovations in judicial processes, exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in justice delivery, and strengthening the role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law. Both chief justices acknowledged that in today’s interconnected world, where trade, communication, and the movement of people transcend national borders, international judicial collaboration has become more relevant than ever in addressing complex legal challenges. In this context, they emphasised that effective judicial cooperation between Brazil and Bangladesh would ensure that justice is not confined within geographical boundaries but recognized as a universal right. In the meeting, a special focus was put on introducing technology-driven initiatives such as e-filing, digital case management, video conferencing, and online dispute resolution in Bangladesh’s judiciary. The Bangladesh Chief Justice expressed his belief that Brazil’s proven experience in these areas would play a pivotal role in supporting the digital transformation of the judiciary in Bangladesh. The discussion also highlighted the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into judicial processes. Both Chief Justices agreed that AI has the potential to make justice systems more efficient, transparent, and fair. They explored areas of collaboration, such as implementing AI-powered case management systems to expedite case disposal and developing AI tools to assist judges and lawyers in quickly and accurately finding relevant precedents, legal provisions, and case analyses. They stressed the importance of using AI responsibly to ensure accountability, accessibility, and the strengthening of the rule of law. Justice Refaat is currently in Brazil at the invitation of Herman to attend a programme titled “Exchanges on Matters of Mutual Judicial Interest, Particularly Concerning Institutional Reform, Environmental Justice, Judicial Independence, and Technological Innovation in the Administration of Justice.” On Monday, the Bangladesh chief justice also visited the National High Court of Brazil [Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ)] in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. The National High Court serves as the highest appellate court. Earlier on March 3, Justice Antonio Herman Benjamin attended a seminar titled “Upholding Environmental Justice: The Role of Judges for a Sustainable Future” as a special guest in Dhaka at the invitation of the Bangladesh Chief Justice. The Bangladesh chief justice will stay in Brazil until September 19 and attend other events there.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh and India should work together to strengthen their interdependencies and transform geographical proximity and growing economic capabilities into new opportunities for mutually rewarding cooperation. He pointed out that Bangladesh and India, as two important economies of the region, are also important drivers for regional integration under the framework of BIMSTEC, whose secretariat is located in Dhaka and which envisions bridging the growth opportunities of South Asia with Southeast Asia. The envoy said this as he was invited by the National Defence College of Bangladesh to address the 2025 NDC course participants on Monday (Sept 15), said the High Commission on Tuesday. The High Commissioner said India will continue to seek a “stable, positive, constructive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial relationship” with Bangladesh based on mutual respect and mutual sensitivity, with people of both countries as the main stakeholders in this partnership. Hilsa export to India begins; 1,200mt approved for Durga Puja He spoke about India’s foreign policy and development strategy, highlighting India’s growing engagement with the world to promote international cooperation, reforms of global governance and interests of the Global South, as well as to serve India’s quest for inclusive, sustainable and rapid national development. The High Commissioner highlighted the long-term vision of India-Bangladesh relations under India’s foreign policy priorities of “Neighbourhood First”, “Act East Policy”, the MAHASAGAR doctrine, as well as India’s Indo-Pacific Vision.