United News of Bangladesh

China has pledged to continue to provide support to the "best of its abilities, including providing a platform for dialogue" to help achieve early repatriation of the displaced people to Myanmar. The two sides shared the view that early repatriation is the only way to resolve the issue concerning the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar, who have taken shelter in Bangladesh, according to a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s July 8-10 official visit to Beijing. The two sides called on all parties in Myanmar to bridge their differences through dialogue and consultation and underscored the cessation of hostilities in Rakhine State as soon as possible. Bangladesh and China agree to increase use of local currency in bilateral trade The Bangladesh side expressed its appreciation to China and requested China to continue playing a constructive role to facilitate dialogue for the peaceful settlement of the issue concerning the displaced people from Rakhine State. The Chinese side commended efforts made over the years by Bangladesh to provide humanitarian assistance for the displaced people, and expressed support for Bangladesh and Myanmar to find a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations and following the arrangements on repatriation existing between the countries. Bangladesh is hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char and not a single Rohingya was repatriated, since the iflux in 217. At the invitation of Li Qiang, premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to China from July 8 to 10. During the visit, PM Hasina had a meeting with Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, held talks with Premier Li Qiang, and met with Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached extensive consensus. PM Hasina reiterates call to China to help repatriate Rohingyas to Myanmar The two sides shared the view that climate change is a global challenge, said the joint statement. It is imperative for all countries to work together within the framework of multilateralism and in accordance with the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, to advance the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, they said. During the visit, the two sides signed cooperation documents on trade and investment, digital economy, financial regulation, education cooperation, medical care and public health, infrastructure cooperation, green and low carbon development, agricultural cooperation, hydrological forecasting, and cooperation in radio and television. PM Hasina expressed her sincere appreciation to the government and people of China for the friendship and warm hospitality extended to her and the Bangladesh delegation, and invited Chinese leaders to visit Bangladesh. The Chinese leaders thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the invitation, and the two sides will maintain communication via diplomatic channels. France advocates for better opportunities for Rohingyas  

Bangladesh and China have agreed to enhance cooperation in financial regulation, and encouraged increased use of local currency settlement in bilateral trade, according to a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s three-day official visit to Beijing. Hasina returned home early hours of Thursday after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang. The Bangladesh side welcomes Chinese banks to establish branches in Bangladesh, and vice versa. Bangladesh and China agreed to strengthen coordination in international and multilateral affairs, and expressed readiness to further coordinate positions and build broader consensus in multilateral processes concerning international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, humanitarian affairs, climate change, energy transition and environmental protection, to jointly safeguard the common interest of developing countries. The two sides discussed various aspects of the Global Development Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping. The Chinese side is ready to share experience on GDI issues with the Bangladesh side. How Chinese media covered the PM’s Beijing visit The Chinese side also presented the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) to the Bangladesh side to ensure peace, development and shared prosperity for all. PM Hasina paid an official visit to China from July 8 to 10 at the invitation of Premier Li. During the visit,  Hasina had a meeting with  Xi and met with Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached extensive consensus. The Bangladesh side congratulated the Chinese side on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and applauded China’s historic achievements and transformation in economic and social development in the new era. Bangladesh lauded China’s efforts to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through the Chinese path to modernisation, and expressed sincere wish for China to realise the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation as scheduled. The Chinese side applauded the achievements of Bangladesh in economic and social development, and expressed continued support for Bangladesh’s graduation from the UN Least Developed Countries (LDC) status in 2026 as scheduled and Bangladesh’s steady progress toward realising its Vision 2041 of a “Smart Bangladesh.” The two sides applauded their strategic partnership of cooperation established in 2016, and agreed that the China-Bangladesh relationship has reached a new height. Xi-Hasina meeting: China to cooperate with Bangladesh in grants and loans Leaders of the two countries agreed to stay committed to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the long-standing friendship, foster greater synergy between development strategies of the two countries, advance the Belt and Road cooperation, and elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two sides decided to take the opportunity of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2025 to plan together for the future development of bilateral ties and take the China-Bangladesh relationship to another new height. The two sides agreed that China and Bangladesh have been good neighbours and good friends since ancient times, sharing a millennium-old history of friendly exchanges. Over the past 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the traditional China-Bangladesh friendship forged by generations of leaders of both countries has grown from strength to strength. The two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and pursued mutual benefits. With ever deepening mutual trust, the two countries have achieved fruitful outcomes in their practical cooperation, and kept close collaboration in international and regional affairs, thus setting a fine example of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in relations between countries. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and to mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. The Chinese side firmly supports Bangladesh in maintaining peace and stability, realising development goals as envisioned under Vision 2041, non-interference in its internal affairs, and independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The two sides stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond question and brooks no challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and its position that the government of the People’s Republic of China represents the whole of China, and Taiwan is part of China, and Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Read more: China to continue zero-tariff treatment to Bangladesh for transitional period beyond 2026

Bangladesh and China elevated their ties during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Beijing this week, according to the consensus in Chinese media outlets, a preponderance of which happen to be state-owned. The two countries on Wednesday upgraded their relations to a ‘comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership’. Xi-Hasina meeting: China to cooperate with Bangladesh in grants and loans China’s state-led international broadcaster, CGTN, which broadcasts in English, reported the upgrade with an emphasis on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech during the meeting.  Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, the two countries have always shown mutual respect and support, treated each other on an equal footing and engaged in win-win cooperation, according to CGTN. He also said the relationship between China and Bangladesh stands as a shining example of amicable interactions and mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly among Global South nations. Chinese PM announces 1 billion RMB for Bangladesh as economic assistance: Hasan Mahmud Xi urged the two sides to make efforts for the Year of People-to-People Exchanges between China and Bangladesh next year to promote exchanges and cooperation in fields such as culture, tourism, media and sports, CGTN reported, adding that he said China is ready to work closely with Bangladesh on international and regional affairs, and strengthen coordination and cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks. The website of the People’s Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's flagship newspaper, had Xinhua News Agency’s report on the visit as its lead item on Wednesday night, under the title: “Xi meets Bangladeshi PM.” PM’s China visit not shortened; programmes unchanged: Foreign Minister Global Times, another one of the CCP’s official mouthpieces, in a piece titled “China, Bangladesh elevate ties, broaden cooperation” on Wednesday, repeated most of the things CGTN reported from Xi’s speech, and carried the prime minister’s assurances that  “Bangladesh firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports China's stance on the Taiwan question, resolutely opposes external forces' interference in China's internal affairs, and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests”. The report quoted Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, as saying that the visit by Hasina is a link between the past and the future for bilateral relations, especially in promoting high-level cooperation in the field of economy and trade. The development strategies of the two countries will be further synergized, and more economic and trade cooperation projects are expected to be implemented in the future, injecting more substantive connotations into the duo's strategic cooperative relations, Qian told Global Times. Another expert that Global Times spoke to, Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow with the Institute of International Relations at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said the visit would further promote the traditional friendship between the two countries. Through cooperation over the past years, Bangladesh has clearly seen how China's development ideas and experience have played a huge role in promoting the economic and social development of Bangladesh, Hu said. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing announce 7 outcomes, including completion of feasibility study on FTA The Global Times report also noted the Indian angle, reporting: “[S]ome Indian media outlets viewed Hasina's China visit as ‘a balancing act to keep the two key players happy,’ as ‘she needs India to be in power, and China for economic support.’ Some Indian media also talked down the cooperation between Beijing and Dhaka.” In this context, Hu told Global Times: “India always uses various excuses to obstruct and create hype whenever a South Asian leader visits China, but New Delhi should not be overly concerned that other countries' engagement with China will damage their relations with India.” Meanwhile Qian, the other expert quoted in the report, said: “For Bangladesh, in the face of pressure from India, the development of China-Bangladesh relations also provides a valuable choice for Dhaka to better safeguard its diplomatic independence and development opportunities.” Global Times also reported separately on ‘The Summit on Trade, Business, and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China’ that took place on Tuesday, and on the day of the PM’s arrival in Beijing, Monday, carried an op-ed titled ‘China-Bangladesh bonhomie benefits both’ by Zhang Xiaoyu, an expert in South Asian Studies at the Communication University of China. The South China Morning Post, one of the few privately-owned media outlets in the country, based out of Hong Kong, titled its report “China and Bangladesh pledge to fight external interference and boost economic cooperation” on Wednesday. It said Hasina reassured Xi over Taiwan, calling it ‘Beijing’s most sensitive issue’, and quoted the prime minister as saying, “Bangladesh firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports China’s position on the Taiwan issue, and resolutely opposes external forces interfering in China’s internal affairs”. SCMP also quoted Xi via the other state broadcaster CCTV, which broadcasts in Chinese, as saying, “China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Bangladesh in multilateral fields, oppose hegemony and power politics, and better safeguard international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries.” The newspaper noted that China’s loans to “the debt-ridden country” have raised fears that Bangladesh will be caught in a “debt trap” and struggle to repay them. It said Hasina met Jin Liqun, president of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, to ask for the country’s interest payments to be reduced, and recalled Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud’s announcement prior to the trip that a $5 billion loan would be sought from China. SCMP reports that there has been “no immediate response from China to the requests”. China’s official Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang Huning, a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee who met with Hasina, as saying that “China and Bangladesh have respected and treated each other with equality, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries.” Read more: Dhaka, Beijing sign 21 cooperation documents; announce 7 outcomes to strengthen ties on diverse fronts

Tulip Siddiq, elected an MP for the fourth time in the UK's recent general election, has been appointed as Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister by Keir Starmer, the new prime minister. "Our financial services industry is one of Britain’s greatest assets and will be key to restoring economic growth. There’s no time to waste," she said of her appointment. ‘Will never stop fighting’: Tulip Siddiq The Economic Secretary to the Treasury is the City Minister and is responsible for financial services. It ranks at Parliamentary Secretary level and the holder does not attend Cabinet. After Labour formed a Government following the 2024 General Election, she said, "I had the privilege of being appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister. I know that our financial services industry is one of Britain’s greatest assets and will be key to restoring economic growth, and it is a great honour to be given this position." Before the General Election she served as Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister) from 2021, where she helped to develop Labour's policies for the City. Tulip Siddiq named among most influential individuals of London "I consistently held the Tories to account for their disastrous handling of the economy and the appalling cost-of-living crisis they have inflicted on our country," Tulip said. She also previously served as Shadow Children and Early Years Minister and in Parliament. "I have been a passionate campaigner for early years education, mental health support and flexible working. I also successfully fought to make pre-natal testing for mothers free on the NHS, and put forward laws to end the indefinite detention of migrants," she said. Tulip delays giving birth for Brexit vote Tulip is the daughter of Bangabandhu SHeikh Mujibur Rahman’s younger daughter Sheikh Rehana and niece of current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The European Union has made available €400,000 or around Tk 50 million in response floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in northeastern Bangladesh, as well as to landslides in the Rohingya refugee camps in the southern province of Cox’s Bazar in late June.  Crucial assistance will be provided to the most affected people in some of the worst-hit areas.  “The recent disasters highlighted that more efforts need to be put in place to ensure the safety of the most-affected people, especially now that the monsoon season has begun in Bangladesh,” says Anna Orlandini, head of EU humanitarian aid in Bangladesh on Wednesday.  “The EU funding will not only ensure those affected receive the support they need, but also contribute to the preparedness efforts.” Flooding situation improving in Sylhet, outbreak of waterborne diseases feared  The assistance will be delivered by EU humanitarian partners already present on the ground, said the Embassy.  Of the total funding, €150 000 will be channelled via the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as part of the EU’s overall contribution to the latter’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). In northeastern Bangladesh, the EU funding will help the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) deliver multi-sectoral humanitarian services to the most vulnerable people, according to the Embassy.  These will include the distribution of essential household items, food parcels and cash assistance, as well as first aid and other medical services.  Damaged water points will be repaired, and new ones will be installed. Meanwhile in Cox’s Bazar, the assistance will focus on repairing shelters damaged by recent landslides and floods in the Rohingya camps, as well as on site development and stabilizing hill slopes to reduce the risk of future landslides. This funding comes in addition to over €27.8 million that the EU has already allocated this year in humanitarian aid in Bangladesh.  20 lakh people in 15 districts affected by flood: State Minister The total amount includes funding released last month in response to tropical cyclone Remal and to recent heatwaves, as well as fires that affected the Rohingya camps this year.   Continuous heavy rainfall since 18 June caused severe flooding in the northeastern Haor region of Bangladesh and disrupted communications.  Approximately 2.5 million people have been affected by the floods, with 1.6 million stranded in Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Moulvibazar districts.  In addition, the rainfall triggered flash floods and over 1,200 landslides in the Cox's Bazar refugee camps in the southeast of the country, causing at least 10 deaths. 

The Russian House in Dhaka, in cooperation with the Institute of Diploma Engineers of Bangladesh (IDEB), organized an event dedicated to the 135th birth anniversary of Anna Andreevna Akhmatova, celebrated as one of the greatest poetesses of the Silver Age.  P. Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, highlighted in his welcome speech that June 23 2024, marked the 135th anniversary of A. Akhmatova's birth. Her poems, infused with profound emotions and exquisite imagery, continue to resonate in the hearts of millions of readers. Known for her utmost sincerity and viewing poetry as a "sacred craft," Akhmatova maintained a deep connection with her homeland, its history, and culture. Her virtuosity with words and impeccable command of her native language place her poetry among the masterpieces of immortal Russian literature. Anna Akhmatova stands as a symbol of fortitude and spiritual strength. During the event, students from Russian language courses at the Russian House in Dhaka and compatriots presented a comprehensive overview of A. Akhmatova's life and recited her poetry in Russian and Bengali. Additionally, attendees enjoyed a screening of a short film depicting key moments from Anna Akhmatova's life. As part of the programme, the audience was treated to "The Flying Ship," a Russian musical fairy-tale film directed by Ilya Uchitel, based on the 1979 cartoon of the same name from the Soyuzmultfilm studio.

High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Mauritius Zokey Ahad has highlighted the importance of enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mauritius.He called on Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth at the latter's office and discussed issues of mutual interests. Meloni's meeting with PM boosted ties, Italian foreign affairs official says The High Commissioner extended the warm invitation from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Bangladesh High Commissioner at his place and both expressed their deep satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mauritius. The High Commissioner conveyed the warm greetings of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Mauritius for extending warm welcome and cordial cooperation since his arrival in Mauritius. He assured his best effort in strengthening the existing friendly relations between the two countries and promoting bilateral relations and cooperation to a new level. The relationship between the two countries is based on historical bondage and ethnic ties. Both countries hold identical views on the socio-cultural aspect and values and ethos of peoples are common in nature. They are supporting each other in many major regional and international issues. Ahad thanked the Prime Minister of Mauritius for supporting Bangladesh in various international forums on the ongoing Rohingya issue. Japanese vice-minister for foreign affairs visits Dhaka Community Medical College and Hospital site The Bangladesh High Commissioner briefed the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius about the present government’s remarkable achievements under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in attaining economic self-reliance including sustained GDP growth even during the pandemic, poverty eradication, women empowerment and others sectors and highlighted the successes achieved by Bangladesh in the recent years in the domestic political, economic and social sectors as well as in the international arena. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth was highly impressed with the success stories of Bangladesh and expressed admiration for the leadership of the present Government & the hard-working people for achieving these successes. They both discussed the potential opportunities for both countries to deepen cooperation in different areas, with particular emphasis on trade, investment and employment. They discussed issues of mutual interest including exchanges of high-level visits, business delegation, Visa facilitation, trade and commerce, investment, agriculture, education and labour issues etc. While discussing labour issues the High Commissioner of Bangladesh emphasised on the importance of recruiting more manpower from Bangladesh. The Prime Minister assured the High Commissioner of his all-possible cooperation in this regard. Both discussed strengthening bilateral relations in an extremely cordial atmosphere. Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs meets Hasan Mahmud in Kampala He also agreed with the High Commissioner to work with Bangladesh High Commission closely to finalize the pending MoUs and agreements. During the meeting, senior officers from the Prime Minister office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius were present. Md. Jahangir Alam, First Secretary (Political) & HOC, and Md Asaduzzaman, First Secretary (Labour) also attended the meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China will extend cooperation to Bangladesh in four areas - grant, interest-free loans, concessional loans and commercial loans. For that, a technical committee from China will go to Bangladesh very soon to work jointly with the Bangladesh side. Chinese PM announces 1 billion RMB for Bangladesh as economic assistance: Hasan Mahmud President Xi made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Great Hall of the People here this afternoon. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud briefed the reporters about the outcomes of the meeting which he said was “fruitful” and took place in a “very cordial atmosphere”.

Due to ongoing road blockades by students, outgoing Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Wednesday had to abandon his car on Dhaka Expressway and find alternative ways to reach the parliament building for his scheduled farewell meeting with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Whiteley was stuck on the expressway as students protesting against quota in government jobs paralysed the city’s traffic causing huge suffering to the commuters. Read more: Dhaka-Mymensingh rail communication disrupted as BAU students continue “Bangla Blockade” He shared a video, taken by Deputy Head of Mission Dr Bernd Spanier, depicting his journey- partly by walking and a CNG ride –to the destination.    “We abandoned the car on the expressway due to protests and made it to the call on Hon Speaker by CNG - a commemorative video made by Bernd, including a death-defying high-wire sequence,” Whiteley wrote sharing the video from his Facebook account. Whiteley is due to leave Dhaka wrapping up his three-year tenure in Bangladesh. Read more: Bangla Blockade: Students block Barishal-Dhaka highway

Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced to provide one billion RMB for Bangladesh as economic assistance. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said this during a media briefing adding that the Chinese Premier also said they give utmost importance to the relationship with Bangladesh. He said the Chinese Premier also expressed his desire to take the relations between Bangladesh and China to a new level. In a cordial environment there was a fruitful discussion between Bangladesh and China regarding all issues, said the Foreign Minister. Hasan said Li Qiang recalled the relationship that was planted through the 1952 and 1957 visits of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and with six visits of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the relations will be expanded further in the coming days. Sheikh Hasina invited the Chinese President, Prime Minister and others to visit Bangladesh next year to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both the leaders put emphasis on celebrating the golden jubilee of the diplomatic relationship in a befitting manner. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Chinese cooperation to resolve the Rohingya issue. She put emphasis on reducing the trade gap with China. In reply, the Chinese Prime Minister talked about importing more Bangladesh products in his country. Sheikh Hasina requested her Chinese counterpart to import leather products, jute products, pharmaceutical goods, and ceramic products. Both countries have agreed to work together to establish world peace and uphold humanity across the globe. PM Hasina invited more Chinese investments in 100 special economic zones and Bangabandhu Industrial Park mentioning that Bangladesh has allotted one export processing zone for Chinese investors. Sheikh Hasina pointed out the inclusion of Bangladesh in BRICS in any format. The Chinese Prime Minister assured her of their support regarding this inclusion. Sheikh Hasina sought Chinese cooperation so that Bangladesh could enjoy the LDC facilities at least three more years in its official graduation to Middle Income Country after 2026. The Chinese Prime Minister gave a positive response.