United News of Bangladesh

Amid tight security measures, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam attended two programmes in London on Friday smoothly, despite protests by a small group of Bangladeshis against his presence. The London Metropolitan Police remained in constant contact with the Bangladesh High Commission and assured full security for the Adviser, the Mission said on Saturday. Mahfuj’s first event was held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London at 4pm.  The programme, co-organised by SOAS and the Bangladesh High Commission, marked the first anniversary of the July uprising in Bangladesh. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, Abida Islam, was among those present at the event. According to the High Commission, 18 supporters of the Awami League (its activities currently banned in Bangladesh) gathered outside the SOAS campus and chanted slogans.  However, the Adviser’s car entered the venue without any untoward incident, as police had enforced strict security measures in advance at SOAS’s request. After officials entered the venue, some protesters threw eggs at the parked vehicle, the High Commission said. When the programme concluded, Adviser Mahfuj and accompanying officials left the SOAS campus in multiple vehicles.  As two empty High Commission cars departed later, some protesters lay on the road to obstruct their passage, while others threw eggs at the vehicles.  Shafiqul Alam strongly condemns attempted harassment of Mahfuj in NY Police quickly removed the protesters from the scene. A multiple videos went viral on social media shared by the Awami League supporters. Later in the evening, at 7:30 pm, Adviser Mahfuj attended a discussion programme at the Bangladesh High Commission in London.  Representatives of various political parties, students and journalists were present.  

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman on Friday attended the swearing-in ceremony of Sushila Karki as Prime Minister of the interim government of Nepal. The Ambassador exchanged greetings with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Nepal The 73-year-old, the only woman to have served as chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court. "Privileged to witness a historic moment of transition in Nepal," said Ambassador Rahman. Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation, following violent protests that toppled the previous government. Nepal names Sushila Karki as interim PM, first woman leader Karki earned popularity as Nepal’s only female chief justice during 2016–17. The appointment comes after a week of unrest sparked by a social media ban that quickly escalated into deadly clashes.

Trade activities through Hili land port will remain suspended for eight consecutive days from September 26 due to Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community. As a result, no import or export of goods will take place through the port during the period. The decision was conveyed to Bangladesh’s Hili Customs C&F Agents Association by India’s Hili Exporters and Customs Clearing Agents Association through an official letter. Shahinoor Islam, general secretary of Hili Customs C&F Agents Association, said Indian traders, in consultation with port users, decided to halt goods movement through the port from September 26 to October 3 on the occasion of Durga Puja. Normal operations will resume from October 4, he added. However, cross-border movement of passengers with valid passports and visas will continue through the Hili immigration check-post from 9 am to 6:30 pm every day. Officer-in-Charge of Hili Immigration Check-post Ariful Islam said immigration activities are not affected by festivals or public holidays. Meanwhile, revenue officer of Hili Land Customs Station, MR Zaman Bandhan, said customs activities will continue as usual except during official holidays in Bangladesh. Traders may complete their customs procedures by paying the required duties if they wish, he added.

The Vatican has wished to see a free, fair, just, and transparent election process in Bangladesh, but it does not wish for a certain outcome. “As Bangladesh prepares for elections, the Holy See stands alongside of you to wish a process that is free, fair, just, and transparent,” said Vatican Ambassador to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin S Randell. He was addressing a ceremony marking the Pope Day at the Vatican Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday evening. The day also coincides the visit of Cardinal George Jacob Koovkad, prefect of the Dicastery of Inter-religious Dialogue, who began his visit on September 6. The delegation led by the Cardinal held series of dialogues including visits to the National Mosque and interacting with the Islamic scholars; a Hindu temple and a Pagoda in Dhaka. Addressing the Pope Day event, Archbishop Randell said that the Holy See does not support any political party, form of government, or person, nor does it wish for a certain outcome. “The half a million Christians, Catholics and Protestants, who are citizens of Bangladesh, will vote their consciences, like all other citizens,” he said. Addressing as chief guest, Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar said the relationship between Bangladesh and the Holy See is grounded in shared values of peace, compassion and mutual respect. “This enduring bond reflects our common commitment to promoting religious harmony, interfaith discourse and human dignity,” he said. This serves as a powerful testament to the rock-solid relationship between Bangladesh and the Holy See, the Adviser said. “Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building bridges of peace, upholding justice and ensuring that no one is left behind regardless of faith, ethnicity or background," he said. “May we continue to work hand in hand to ensure that our common humanity rises above all religious, cultural and social divides, " he added. On inter-religious dialogue, Archbishop Kevin Randell said such dialogue brings hope and aids all in striving for peace and solidarity on earth, for healing and justice – in a world filled with extremism, hatred and war. “We must have the courage to build bridges, to be the Good Samaritan, to reach out to others in need. “We do not need societies filled with fear and hate. No religious ought to promote those values, nor should religion be used to justify violence.” The Vatican ambassador has called for not letting religious speakers or public speakers highjack religions to promote those scandalous values. “No. Reject and dismiss the message of those who attempt that type of public discourse. Religions ought to promote compassion, love and pursuit of the common good in civil societies. By this fruit, you will know them.” Rohingya merit a home and dignity Randell recalled the visit of late Pope Francis, who visited Myanmar and Bangladesh in 2017 after the Rohingya influx and prayed for peace in both countries and in a particular way expressed concerns for the Rohingya, for whose plight the Pope had a broken heart. “These displaced persons merit a home and dignity,” he said, lauding the interim government for dealing well the situation as a host to the forgotten victims of a civil war.“But, they need our help.” Ambassador Randell said Pope Leo XIV equally expressed his grave concern and prays that the international community will reach out.

Khandker Masudul Alam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Belgium on Thursday, presented his Letters of Credence as the Head of Bangladesh Mission to the European Union (EU). He presented his credentials to the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The presentation ceremony was held at the Berlaymont, headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, according to a press release from the Embassy of Bangladesh. Following the ceremony, a reception was hosted in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reinstated acclaimed actress and social activist Jaya Ahsan as its Goodwill Ambassador for Bangladesh, marking her third consecutive term in the role since first being appointed in 2022. She will serve in this voluntary role for the next one year. As Goodwill Ambassador, Jaya will champion the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), raising awareness and mobilising support on issues such as poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and inclusive governance. Reflecting on her renewed role, Jaya said, “I feel privileged to continue this journey with UNDP. With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, the urgency has never been greater. This is a shared responsibility, and I am committed to using every platform available to inspire collective action for a better future.” UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Stefan Liller, welcomed her continued engagement, “We are delighted to have Jaya Ahsan return as our Goodwill Ambassador. She is not only a celebrated artist but also a powerful advocate for equity and sustainability. Her voice has helped bring the SDG message closer to citizens, and we look forward to building on this momentum together.” Jaya will continue to support UNDP in amplifying campaigns that empower communities, protect the environment, and promote resilience contributing to Bangladesh’s efforts to deliver on the promise of the SDGs by 2030.

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday said it remains deeply engaged in protecting and ensuring safety and security of Bangladeshi expatriates and tourists currently travelling  in Nepal. The embassy facilitated the flight of the National Football Team who traveled back to Dhaka on a special flight C-130 operated by the Bangladesh Air Forces. Bangladesh Embassy did all coordination with the Office of the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Armed Forces Division as well as the Bangladesh Football Federation in  arranging this special flight in a smooth manner. The embassy expressed its sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) authority and the Nepal Army for extending required permission and clearance as well as in ensuring security at very short notice—particularly at this challenging time. The embassy takes delight in being able to facilitate the entire process from the Kathmandu effectively; the flight took off today at 14:40 hrs (local time), carrying our national heroes and accompanying delegates. The embassy said it successfully coordinated with Nepali Civil Aviation Authority to arrange for operating an additional flight today by Biman Airlines to carry the stranded Bangladeshi nationals in Kathmandu to clear the backlog of the 08-10 Sept passengers. The embassy officials have made efforts painstakingly to rescue those who were stranded in various locations in the Kathmandu Valley over the past two days and will continue to do so as needed under the leadership of Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman. The embassy extended thanks to Bangladesh community in Nepal for contacting and collaborating with the Embassy to make these gains possible and create a positive brand for Bangladesh. The embassy received some 600 plus phone calls from the stranded as well as expatriate Bangladeshis during the last three days.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday hosted a high-profile reception for member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), seeking support for Bangladesh’s re-election to the IMO Council. The reception brought together envoys and senior diplomats from dozens of embassies, underscoring Bangladesh’s active diplomatic outreach ahead of the upcoming IMO Council election. The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization. The Council is made up of 40 Member States, elected by the Assembly for two-year terms. Bangladesh made history in 2023 by winning a seat in the highly competitive Category C of the IMO Council for the first time, securing 128 votes at the London headquarters, said the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. The IMO Council, composed of 40 member states across three categories (A, B, and C), plays a decisive role in shaping global maritime policy. Category C ensures representation of countries with special maritime interests and broad geographic balance. The IMO, the UN’s only specialized agency regulating international shipping, sets standards on maritime safety, security, seafaring, and pollution control–issues directly affecting global trade and commerce. Speaking at the event, Mohammed Yousuf, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh, highlighted the country’s expanding maritime transport sector and the growing significance of its ports as critical sea routes for international commerce. Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, Director General of the Department of Shipping, delivered a detailed presentation, while Deputy High Commissioner Preeti Rahman also addressed the gathering.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Thursday stated unequivocally that in today’s unpredictable world, Bangladesh can count on the EU as a steadfast partner. “We are your steadfast partner; in your political transition, whose success we support; in implementing your reform agenda on climate action, energy and other sectors," he said. The Ambassador visited Khulna University and addressed students and members of the institution.  This was the fourth in a series of workshops organised with Bangladesh youths on climate change.  The NGO ‘Youth for NDC’s’ has had the lead in organising these events.    Alluding to COP30, to be held in Brazil in November next, Miller drew attention to the Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs - each country’s pledge to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.   Referring to Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0, he stressed the crucial role the young will have in shaping a sustainable future. Bangladesh and the EU are both strong defenders of the need to stay below 1.5 degrees.  "So let me start by restating just how much we have in common. Bangladesh is among the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, and this region in Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable to floods, cyclones and salination, disrupting lives and livelihoods," said the EU ambassador.   He said, Europe, which was warming twice as fast as the global average, feels climate change acutely.  “Drought, wildfires, heatstroke increasingly affect our citizens.” Noting that the European Union, through its European Green Deal, is driving transition to a net-zero economy by 2050, Miller observed that they have turned away from fossil fuels, embracing decarbonisation and clean technology, decoupling economic growth from emissions growth.  "Our Green Deal is our growth strategy, and we are committed to delivering on its objectives:  our strength lies in our policy predictability, our transparency and our good governance, all of which is a huge selling point for clean-tech investors and companies.”  EU lauds Dhaka’s collaborative efforts in addressing irregular migration Underlining the fact that one fifth of the world’s clean technologies are now being developed in Europe, the ambassador said that EU’s share of global emissions stood at a low 6 per cent.  “In 2023, our greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8 per cent, bringing total reductions to 37 per cent below 1990 levels.”  The ambassador attributed this to the shutting down of coal-fired power plants, investment in energy efficiency and a rise in the use of renewable energy.  Reiterating that the EU is a steady and unwavering partner of Bangladesh, Miller said through the Global Gateway initiative, they are investing Euro 1.3 billion in energy efficiency, renewable energy, grid modernization and regional connectivity. A key part of this is the Euro 350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, EIB and Euro 45 million EU grant to support solar and wind projects.  Stating that Bangladesh is ‘not’ among the world’s largest emitters, Miller added, “I want to stress that an ambitious NDC 3.0 has the potential to do in Bangladesh what I have described for the EU: drive innovation, attract investment, and foster inclusive growth! It can provide stakeholders with clarity and stability, paving the way for much needed capital and expertise to flow.” Calling Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0, a vision for the future, Miller underlined the significance of engaging the dynamism of modern day youth in ensuring a greener tomorrow.  “Your ideas, your energy, and your innovation are vital to crafting an NDC that reflects the needs and aspirations of your generation.”  "Climate change affects you the most, and your voices must shape the solutions," said Miller.  The Vice Chancellor, teachers, high officials of the university were also present at the event. 

Direction Technology (Bangladesh) Co. Limited, a Chinese company, has signed an investment agreement with the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to establish a manufacturing plant in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ). The new facility will produce  bluetooth headphones, wired headphones, and data cables. This investment, worth US$3 million, is expected to diversify Bangladesh's export basket beyond its traditional apparel and textile industries and add a new dimension to technology-based manufacturing in the EPZ. The project is expected create employment opportunities for 478 Bangladeshi nationals, said a press release. Workers at CEPZ block road over unpaid wages, Eid bonuses Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, and Li Fanfan, Managing Director of Direction Technology (Bangladesh) Co. Limited signed in the document on behalf of the respective sides in presence of Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Executive Chairman of BEPZA. The company's focus on headphones and data cables underscores Bangladesh's shift toward higher-value, technology-oriented manufacturing, complementing the country's expanding electronics sector. Welcoming the company, the Executive Chairman of BEPZA said that while Bangladesh is known for its apparel industry, BEPZA is equally committed to diversifying its export portfolio. The signing ceremony was attended by other senior officials from BEPZA and representatives from Direction Technology.