United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the interim government is committed to carrying out sweeping labour reforms in an effort to attract more foreign buyers to the country. The Chief Adviser made the comments at his office at Tejgaon when a big United States labour and brand delegation called on him to discuss labour issues. "We want to make our labour laws at par with global standards. It is my commitment," Prof Yunus told the delegation. He said the interim government has appointed a special envoy only to reform the country's labour laws and to address the concerns raised by local and international labour rights groups, the International Labor Organisation and Western nations. Dr Yunus promises to make Bangladesh a global beacon of hope The delegation was led by Thea Mei Lee, the deputy undersecretary of the US Department of Labour, and Kelly Fay Rodriguez, Special Representative for International Labour Affairs of the US. The two senior officials said the US, global labour rights groups, and top international brands that buy clothing and footwear from Bangladesh back Professor Yunus's move to reform labour laws and create worker-friendly conditions in Bangladesh factories. "All of these are wonderful testaments" to what the Professor Yunus-led Interim Government has done for the labour sector in the past three and a half months, Kelly Fay Rodriguez said, referring to the steps, including the 18-point agreement signed between the government and the local unions. The US officials called for union rights in the factories and reviews of wages every year to cushion millions of garment and footwear workers from inflationary pressures. "It is good for business and good for the economy," Thea May Lee said, speaking about the benefits of decent minimum wages in garment factories. She said worker unions are "a training ground for democracy." Should reform education system to create generation of entrepreneurs: Prof Yunus Senior officials of three top US brands, PVH, Calvin Klein, and Gap Inc, were also present in the meeting. Michael Bride, Senior Vice President of PVH Corp., said they backed labour reforms in Bangladesh, saying they supported similar efforts in Cambodia. Prof Yunus urged the brands to declare the price hike of their orders every January so that the manufacturers in Bangladesh can raise worker wages accordingly. US Charge d'affaires Meghan Bouldeb was also in the meeting.  She said the US fully supports Prof  Yunus's sweeping labour reforms. "We want to be partners with you," she said.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has underscored the historic importance of 2024 in the context of Bangladesh-China relations, as the two nations prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Speaking at the “2024 Reunion for Bangladeshi Persons in China” event hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, Ambassador Yao highlighted the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin attended the event as the chief guest. Govt commits to protect best interest of hajj pilgrims: Religious Affairs Adviser Ambassador Yao said that the strong relationship between the two countries rests on mutual understanding and close people-to-people ties. He commended the Bangladeshis who have engaged with China in 2024, describing them as vital contributors to the friendship between the two nations. “The year 2024 is a historic milestone for us, marking half a century of diplomatic relations and celebrating the ‘Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges’,” Yao noted. “China stands ready to work hand-in-hand with Bangladesh to overcome challenges, cross mountains and rivers, and steer the ship of our friendship towards an even brighter future.” Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to its friendship with China. He expressed the nation’s willingness to strengthen exchanges at all levels, deepen practical cooperation across various sectors, and foster development that benefits the people of both countries. Foreign Adviser to join 10th Global Forum of UN Alliance of Civilizations in Portugal During the event, Ambassador Yao and Foreign Secretary Uddin presented awards to 10 outstanding representatives, recognising their contributions to strengthening ties between Bangladesh and China. The event is part of a broader effort to enhance cultural and interpersonal connections between the two nations, setting the stage for a momentous celebration of their golden jubilee in 2024.

The Executive Committee Meeting of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) concluded in Singapore on Friday with a renewed commitment to further collaboration between the countries from the two continents, Asia and Europe. The Director-General of Regional Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md. Rais Hasan Sarower, as the chair of the ASEF Board of Governors, led the discussions. Along with addressing various administrative and financial issues, the executive body also issued directives aimed at boosting the organization’s visibility. Recommendations were made to explore new funding avenues, enhance data privacy, and implement strategic upgrades to increase ASEF's relevance for its member states. Additionally, the meeting approved a project proposal from the Government of Latvia focused on training related to women, peace, and security. To complement the ASEM process, in February 1997, the 1st ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting welcomed the establishment of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). Based in Singapore, ASEF provides opportunities for Asians and Europeans to exchange ideas and collaborate, achieve innovative and substantive solutions for common global challenges. Bangladesh has been the Chair of the ASEF Board of Governors for the first time since January 2024 and the term will end in December 2024.

Bangladesh has sought Belgium’s support through the European Union (EU) to its bid for the GSP+ beyond 2029 and for an additional six years international support measures (ISP) for countries in transition in the context of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation in 2026. The Belgian side assured due consideration in this regard. Bangladesh and Belgium held the second political consultations on Sunday and discussed the issues. Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral-East and West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam led the Bangladesh delegation at the consultations, while Director General (Bilateral Affairs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation of Belgium Jeroen Cooreman led the Belgian delegation. Non-resident Ambassador of Belgium to Bangladesh Didier Vanderhasselt and representatives from different Ministries of the Government of Bangladesh also joined the consultations. The discussion kicked off with a brief discussion on the student-led mass uprising in July and August this year and priorities of the Interim government including restoring law and order, bringing the economy back on track, and systemic reform of the state institutions, among others. Ambassador Islam thanked Belgium for reiterating their support in expressing readiness to engage with the interim government. The Bangladesh co-chair also recalled Queen Mathilde’s visit to Bangladesh during February 2023 when she visited Rohingya camps and appreciated Belgium’s continued support towards a resolution of Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh welcomes investors from China in post-US election landscape In this regard, the co-chair apprised of the Hon’ble Chief Adviser’s letter to the UNSG, requesting an all-stakeholder meeting in early 2025. Belgium shared that there is growing diverse interests from Belgian businesses about Bangladesh, not only as an export destination but also as a manufacturing sourcing point to invest in Bangladesh by Belgian entrepreneurs Both parties also expressed hope of cooperation in cancer research under the auspices of an MOU between NICRH-BD and Bordet Cancer Institute-BE. Both the parties agreed to work together in dealing with improving human rights condition, the existential thereat of climate change in a sustainable manner while implementing loss and damage funding responsibilities. The discussions also covered issues related to the Indo-Pacific, the war in Ukraine and the atrocities committed during the Israel-Palestine conflict. Both sides agreed that the Bangladesh-Belgium 3rd Political Consultations would take place in Brussels at a mutually convenient date in 2025.  

Government is committed to protect the best interest of Hajj pilgrims, said Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday. The ministry is working tirelessly to improve the hajj management in a disciplined way and due to the government’s effective measures, the cost of plane fares decreased by nearly Tk 27,000 this year, he said. Khalid came up with the remark while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, at the Secretariat. Besides, the government has taken steps to strengthen the registration process for pilgrims, he said. He also sought support from the Saudi Ambassador to issue the Moazzem Visa and to limit the number of pilgrims per agency to 250. During the meeting, discussions were held on transportation of hajj pilgrims, Route to Mecca, service, installation of Arabic Language Institute in Dhaka, Eight Iconic Mosques in Bangladesh and the other issues of mutual interest. Nepalese Ambassador meets Bangladesh’s Religious Adviser Besides, various aspects of strengthening the relationship between the two countries were also discussed. Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Additional Secretary of the Hajj Division Mohammad Matiul Islam, its Joint Secretary Dr Manjurul Haque, and the Adviser’s Personal Secretary Shadek Ahmad were present there.

The head of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority has invited China-based manufacturers to invest in Bangladesh in the wake of the post-election development. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, the Executive Chairman of the BIDA, wrote an "open letter" to investors in China, saying that Bangladesh was now ready to emerge as a potential destination for manufacturers planning to relocate or diversify their footprints. "The post-election developments in the US signal big increases in tariffs and duties for China-based manufacturers," Chowdhury, a former senior banker with HSBC, writes. "In this context, we extend an open invitation to our investor friends in China and are committed to supporting them in navigating the evolving landscape. We see potential in industries like garments, electronics, solar value chain, and automotive. We are committed to tailoring a favourable investment environment for the investors with attractive incentive programs and benefits," he said. The BIDA chief who met at least 200 CEOs of multinational and local companies last month, said contrary to what some political experts were predicting, Bangladesh economy is set to benefit hugely in the new Trump presidency. "We are already witnessing quite a lot of interest from China based manufacturers seeking to diversify their risks and manufacturing bases," he said. China, a long-standing partner of Bangladesh and, in 2022, has become Bangladesh's largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Chowdhury said this trend will accelerate once the new Trump administration takes over in January 2025. Prioritising quality and global standards can be Bangladesh’s path to post-LDC success: Strategy paper He said he has been following the regional expansion of Chinese manufacturers in the last decade and was fortunate to support them in his previous capacity as an investment banker. "With the new US political landscape, the trend is likely to grow." Bangladesh is keen to "welcome" these investors with tailored solutions. "That's my commitment as the chief marketing officer of Bangladesh," he writes.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain left Dhaka on Sunday to attend the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The three-day event opens on Monday in Cascais, Portugal. The adviser left Dhaka for Lisbon on Sunday morning, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Focusing on the overarching theme, “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future — Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity”, the Forum will highlight and celebrate the achievements of UNAOC since its inception, and map the blueprint for “One Humanity” in the years to come. Bangladesh keen on hosting Swedish brand IKEA’s wood-based product manufacturing High-level political leaders, including Heads of State and Government, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and Heads of International Organizations, as well as eminent personalities from all sectors of society, will have an opportunity to reflect on the twenty years of the ‘Alliance of Civilizations’ initiative, announced by Spain at the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2004, and how UNAOC grew into a vibrant and well-established United Nations entity today. The official opening ceremony will feature Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, Miguel Angel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC Spain and Türkiye (co-sponsors of UNAOC). The high-level meeting of the UNAOC Group of Friends will feature interventions from Heads of Delegations at the level of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

The National Review Committee on the ministry of power, energy, and mineral resources on Sunday asked the interim government to hire a reputed legal and investigative firm to assist its review of major power generation contracts signed during Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule between 2009 and 2024. In a resolution, the committee, led by Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, said it needs more time to do further analyses of other solicited and unsolicited contracts. The committee is collecting evidence that may lead to potential renegotiation or cancellation of contracts in line with the international arbitration laws and proceedings, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. "To facilitate this, we recommend the immediate engagement of one or more top-quality international legal and investigative firms to assist our committee," the resolution says. Read: SANEM studies explore Bangladesh’s pathway to sustainable energy transition According to the resolution, the committee wants to ensure that its investigations are in line with international standards and will be acceptable in international negotiations and arbitration. The committee is currently engaged in the detailed investigation of several contracts. They include: Adani (Godda) BIFPCL 1234.4 megawatt coal fired power plantPayra 1320 MW coalMeghnaghat 335 MW dual fuelAshuganj 195 MW gasBashkhali 612 MW CoalMeghnaghat 583 MW dual fuel andMeghnaghat 584 MW gas/RLNG

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi celebrated the Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh on Thursday with due fervour and solemnity. To celebrate this special occasion, the High Commission hosted a reception at Bangladesh High Commission Auditorium, said the High Commission in a media release on Friday. Lieutenant General RS Raman, Director General Military Intelligence of Indian Army graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Many war veterans of Indian Armed Forces, including ex-Chief of Army staff of Indian Army General Deepak Kapoor (retd), diplomats of different countries and Defence Advisers/Attaches based in New Delhi attended the event. The programme began with the national anthem of India and Bangladesh respectively. Thereafter the Defence adviser of Bangladesh high Commission, the High Commissioner and the Chief Guest delivered their speech. Afterwards, a short video clip covering the contribution of Bangladesh Armed Forces in nation building and international peace was screened. Defence Adviser, Brigadier General Md. Hafizur Rahman, in his welcome speech, recalled the sacrifice of the War Heroes of India along with the Mukti-Bahini of Bangladesh in achieving the glorious victory in 1971. Appreciating the presence of the esteemed guests, he shed light on the progress of defence cooperation between Bangladesh and India, as well as the advancement of Bangladesh Armed Forces at home and international arena. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, also recalled the contribution of the esteemed war veterans of India for their support during the War of Liberation of Bangladesh. He highlighted the glorious role of Bangladesh Armed Forces in defending motherland and appreciated the professional excellence and readiness to counter any threats, including supporting in the time of natural calamities, national emergencies and in managing relief and rehabilitation activities. Because of their role in times of national needs, Bangladesh armed forces have earned people’s trust and confidence. Lieutenant General RS Raman, the chief guest of the programme, commended the role of Bangladesh Armed Forces and its achievement of high standard within a short span of time. He also appreciated the existing cooperation between the two Armed Forces and expressed hope to strengthen it further in the days to come. The programme was ended by cutting of cake and a dinner for the guests.

Impressed by Bangladeshi expatriate community's overwhelming response with the biggest-ever crowd in the Saudi capital Riyadh, rock legend Nagar Baul James has said he wants to come to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia again and again to entertain the remittance heroes and beyond. "It’s amazing, especially the audience. I didn't imagine such a massive audience here. It's awesome. I am very impressed. I can't express my feelings in words," James told the media on Friday night right after performing at Al-Suwaidi Park. The organisers say several lakhs of Bangladeshis enjoyed the concert with over a lakh of people waiting outside the park as the venue was flooded with James' fans. Though he is popularly known as "Nagar Baul", his fans at home and abroad fondly call him "Guru" and it was James' first visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  "In fact, for the first time, I am on Saudi soil. Certainly, I will come again and again here," said James, extending his gratitude to the organizers including the Saudi Ministry of Media, and to his fans.