United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday lauded the enduring fraternity and solidarity between Bangladesh and Kuwait, underscoring Kuwait’s instrumental role in facilitating Bangladesh’s integration to greater Muslim community in 1974. Outgoing Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Bangladesh Faisal Mutlaq Al Adwani paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Adviser highlighted the recent political transition in Bangladesh, expressing optimism that, with Kuwait’s steadfast support, Bangladesh will adeptly navigate its current challenges, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In response, the outgoing Kuwaiti envoy reiterated Kuwait’s readiness to bolster recruitment of skilled professionals from Bangladesh, particularly engineers, medical practitioners, and nurses, in an effort to reinforce the already robust bilateral partnership. Ambassador Al Adwani also expressed Kuwait’s interest in financing joint development initiatives through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), highlighting the mutual benefits such projects would entail. The Foreign Adviser commended the Ambassador’s pivotal contributions, particularly in facilitating the reciprocal exchange of diplomatic plots, and expressed hope that construction of the Kuwait Chancery and Ambassador’s residence would commence soon. During the meeting, the Ambassador recalled the vital role played by the Bangladesh Armed Forces during Kuwait’s liberation in 1991 and reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering support for Bangladesh’s development. Before concluding, the Foreign Adviser called upon the outgoing Ambassador to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Bangladesh upon his return to Kuwait.

Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Thursday offered “technical, legal and institutional” assistance to Bangladesh in implementing the reform agenda of the interim government, particularly in the areas of curbing corruption, reforming governance and financial system. She paid her maiden courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and handed over the original congratulatory message from the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne at the latter’s office. The Adviser highlighted the long-standing Bangladesh-France bilateral relations and welcomed France’s interest in providing technical support to the interim government’s reform agenda. He assured that the interim government is determined to bring visible and sustainable reforms to promote business and FDI with substantial improvement in the labour sector and human rights domain, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The France Ambassador informed that more and more French companies are expressing interest to do business with and invest in Bangladesh with the gradual improvement of the business environment as well as positive changes in different sectors in the country under the interim government. As raised by the French Ambassador, the Foreign Adviser expressed firm commitment to preventing human trafficking and migrant-smuggling from Bangladesh to Europe. On the Rohingya issue, he also underlined the need for international pressure on Myanmar authorities for a durable solution of the Rohingya crisis through safe, secure and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland, Myanmar.

Global leaders have announced strong support for the new Bangladesh government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, stressing that they stand ready to help in any way they can to support the efforts of Bangladesh and the interim government to lead the world in creating a new and better civilization, as Prof Yunus has repeatedly called for. In a letter to the people of Bangladesh and “citizens of goodwill” around the world, 197 global leaders including 92 Nobel Laureates wished Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh "peace and success in the months and years ahead."             “We the undersigned are excited to publicly share our congratulations and heartfelt good wishes to Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the new interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Professor Yunus, like others in Bangladesh, has suffered under the yoke of autocracy,” reads the letter. They applauded the interim government’s commitment to bring free and fair elections back to Bangladesh and its commitment to allowing democracy to flourish.   “We stand ready to help in any way we can to support the efforts of Bangladesh and the interim government to lead the world in creating a new and better civilization, as Professor Yunus has repeatedly called for,” the letter reads. They said they have been proud to have supported Prof Yunus over the years. “It is the beginning of an exciting new dawn for Bangladesh, and we wish him and the people of Bangladesh peace and success in the months and years ahead.” The global leaders said they are excited to see Professor Yunus finally free to work for the uplift of the entire country, especially the most marginalized, a calling he has pursued with great vigor and success across six decades. “Just as the nation’s young people have inspired him, we know that he will inspire them to play a leadership role in bringing a bright new future to Bangladesh. We are also confident that he will inspire millions of young people around the world, including those in the Bangladeshi diaspora, to improve society for the better,” the letter reads. In a letter to the people of Bangladesh and citizens of goodwill around the world, 197 global leaders including 92 Nobel Laureates wished Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh "peace and success in the months and years ahead." Referencing what Yunus and others have called Bangladesh's "second liberation" the leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, businessman Richard Branson, and activist Jane Goodall, wrote, "Just as the nation's young people have inspired [Muhammad Yunus], we know that he will inspire them to play a leadership role in bringing a bright new future to Bangladesh." A violent response by the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's forces to a student-led protest resulted in the students' call for her resignation and ultimately to Hasina fleeing the country on August 5.  Muhammad Yunus was then asked by the student leaders to lead the Interim Government. Yunus and the other Advisers, including two student leaders, were sworn in by Bangladesh's President on August 8. "We applaud the interim government's commitment to bring free and fair elections back to Bangladesh," the letter from world leaders continued, "and its commitment to allowing democracy to flourish.  We stand ready to help in any way we can to support the efforts of Bangladesh and the interim government to lead the world in creating a new and better civilization, as Professor Yunus has repeatedly called for." Bangladesh is coming out of an extended period of repression and autocratic rule. In September 2023 Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard wrote about "the beleaguered state of human rights in Bangladesh." Callamard continued, "The abuse of laws and misuse of the justice system to settle vendettas is inconsistent and incompatible with international human rights treaties." In addition to the letter of support from world leaders, messages of support have poured in from sitting heads of state and government and leaders of international institutions. For example, UN Secretary General António Guterres wrote this to Professor Yunus: "Bangladesh stands at a crucial juncture in its history.  The United Nations fully supports the effort toward an inclusive and prosperous democracy and remains committed to working with your government and to extend support, as may be requested…." Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, one of the letter's signers, said, "I sincerely hope that, under Muhammad Yunus's leadership, the people of Bangladesh will be able to enjoy freedom and that he will help Bangladesh become a free and democratic country.  It has been an honor to join with global leaders and people of goodwill around the world in supporting Dr. Yunus and the people of Bangladesh's efforts to secure a flourishing democracy." Sam Daley-Harris, the founder of Civic Courage, urged citizens around the world to add their names to those of the global leaders. The letter was released on September 4, 2024 online, in a full-page ad in the Washington Post, and through a press release.   The letter was released on September 4, 2024 online, in a full-page ad in the Washington Post, and through a press release.  

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina making political remarks from India is an “unfriendly gesture”, asserting that she must remain silent to prevent discomfort to both countries until Dhaka requests her extradition. “If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh (government) wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” he said. In an interview with the Press Trust of India at his official residence in Dhaka, Yunus, who was appointed the country’s Chief Adviser after Hasina’s ouster, stressed that while Bangladesh values strong ties with India, New Delhi must move “beyond the narrative that portrays every other political party except Awami League as Islamist and that the country will turn into Afghanistan without Sheikh Hasina.”  “No one is comfortable with her stance there in India because we want her back to try her. She is there in India and at times she is talking, which is problematic. Had she been quiet, we would have forgotten it; people would have also forgotten it as she would have been in her own world. But sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it,” he said. Yunus was apparently referring to Hasina’s statement on August 13 in which she demanded “justice”, saying those involved in recent “terror acts”, killings and vandalism must be investigated, identified and punished. “It is not good for us or for India. There is discomfort regarding it,” he told PTI. Following unprecedented anti-government protests that peaked on August 5, Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India. Her presence in India for nearly four weeks has fuelled speculation in Bangladesh. When asked whether Bangladesh has communicated its stance to India, Yunus said it has been conveyed verbally and quite firmly that she should keep quiet. “Everyone understands it. We have said quite firmly that she should keep quiet. This is an unfriendly gesture towards us; she has been given shelter there and she is campaigning from there. It is not that she has gone there on a normal course. She has fled following a people’s uprising and public anger,” he said. Yunus stated that the interim government is committed to ensuring justice for the people of Bangladesh against the atrocities, and justice requires that she be brought back to the country. “Yes, she has to be brought back or else the people of Bangladesh won’t be at peace. The kind of atrocities she has committed, she has to be tried in front of everyone here,” he emphasised. Discussing the future of the India-Bangladesh relationship, Yunus expressed a desire for good ties with India but insisted that New Delhi must abandon the narrative that only Hasina’s leadership ensures the country’s stability. “The way forward is for India to come out of the narrative. The narrative is that everybody is Islamist, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is Islamist, and everyone else is Islamist and will make this country into Afghanistan. And Bangladesh is in safe hands with Sheikh Hasina at the helm only. India is captivated by this narrative. India has to come out of this narrative. Bangladesh, like any other nation, is another neighbour,” he said. Referring to the recent incidents of alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in the country and India raising concerns about it, Yunus said this is just an excuse. “The issue of trying to portray the conditions of minorities in such a big way is just an excuse,” he said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, expressed hope that the situation in violence-hit Bangladesh would return to normal soon and stated that 1.4 billion Indians are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities in the neighbouring country. Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate emphasised the need for India and Bangladesh to work together to improve their currently strained relationship. When asked about ways to improve the Indo-Bangla relations, Yunus said both the countries need to work together, and that it is at a low presently. “We need to work together to improve this relationship, which is now at a low,” he said. Speaking about the future of bilateral treaties with India, Yunus said there are demands for a relook at certain treaties such as transit and the Adani electricity deal. “Everybody is saying that it is needed. We will see what is on paper and, second, what is actually happening on the ground. I can’t answer it specifically. If there is any need to review, we will then raise questions about it,” he said.        

USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and his team had "productive discussions" with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday and pledged to contribute to Bangladesh’s democratic and economic growth more fully. They explored ways that USAID can maximize their investments to support the interim government and reach their shared vision of helping Bangladeshis build brighter and more prosperous futures for themselves. The USAID team said they will continue to harness local expertise and look forward to the journey ahead to make sure people in every corner of the country have equitable opportunities to thrive. "Great meeting with Chief Adviser to discuss how we can maximize USAID investments and build upon our two countries’ long-standing partnership to help Bangladeshis build brighter and more prosperous futures for themselves. Looking forward to the journey ahead," USAID said in a message through its X after the meeting held at Chief Adviser's Office.

The High Commission of India hosted a send-off event on Wednesday for Bangladesh students who are leaving for India to pursue higher studies on ICCR scholarship. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma expressed optimism about the future of India-Bangladesh ties with youth in both countries playing a pivotal role in nation-building and becoming a valuable stakeholder in their shared quest for peace, prosperity and development. Addressing the assembled students on this occasion, High Commissioner Verma welcomed them on the new journey of their career and highlighted the important role education and educational exchanges play in building stronger people-to-people links between the two countries. Around 550 students from Bangladesh have been awarded the prestigious ICCR scholarship for various academic courses this year. The awardees will have the opportunity to pursue higher studies in some of the most prestigious Indian institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Delhi University etc. in graduation, post-graduation and PhD courses across wide-ranging disciplines such as engineering, medicine, law, linguistics, fine arts, social sciences etc. The ICCR scholarship programme plays a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between India and Bangladesh, said the High Commission. The High Commission of India said it remains committed to supporting this programme and promoting robust educational exchanges between our two countries.

Tomorrow marks exactly one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid student-led mass uprising and fled to India leaving the country in a leadership vacuum for a couple of days. The country was in a state of lawlessness until Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus returned home from Paris and took oath as Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, chosen by the student leaders and backed by the army. Hasina’s fall was so dramatic that she had only 45 minutes to leave her official residence Ganobhaban, which was stormed by jubilant protesters shortly after her exit. The student protests began in July against a quota system in government jobs that critics said favoured people with connections to Hasina’s party. 3 more murder cases filed against 80 including Sheikh Hasina Since her exit, Hasina is facing more than 100 cases, nearly all of them filed by aggrieved members of those killed by law enforcement agencies during the massive protests. The unprecedented violence left over 1000 people – many of them children and youth – killed and thousands injured. She is also facing complaints filed before the International Crimes Tribunal accusing her of mass killings. While 76-year-old Hasina is reportedly lodged in a safe house in an Indian air base in Gaziabad on the outskirts of New Delhi, calls for her extradition to Bangladesh to face justice are growing. The Yunus-led interim government is yet to make any decision on whether it will request for extradition of Hasina, New Delhi’s closest ally during her 15-year rule. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first among the foreign leaders to congratulate Prof Yunus on social media platform X. Modi expressed the hope that the two countries will continue to work with their shared vision for boosting the bilateral relations. Separately, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jayshankar recently commented, “We will deal with the government of the day…need to look for mutuality of interest.” Complaint lodged against 53 including Hasina, 28 journalists for inciting genocide Diplomatic sources in both the capitals believe Hasina’s continued presence in India may become a headache for New Delhi in its bid to build a rapport with Yunus-led administration. They also warn of public sentiments against India following the recent massive floodings in eastern Bangladesh with many blaming it on the neighbouring country. New Delhi had to clarify it was not responsible for the floods in Feni and other nearby districts.    In reply to a question, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain recently reiterated that the government will definitely try to bring back Hasina from India if the legal system wants. “There are legal processes. If our legal system wants, we will definitely try (to bring her back),” he said. After the interim government revoked her diplomatic passport, questions have now arisen as to how long Sheikh Hasina can stay in India and whether she will face a possible extradition. The approval for Hasina to go to India was granted at a short notice, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. As Hasina faces a number of murder cases, it is now uncertain what future holds for her if she needs to return to Bangladesh. But it depends on India whether they will hand her over under the extradition agreement between the two countries if Bangladesh wants her back.  On the other hand, the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement on Wednesday announced that they will hold a "Shaheedi March" on September 5 across the country, to commemorate the martyrs one month after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime. Sarjis Alam, one of the movement's coordinators, made the announcement at the TSC auditorium. "We think it is time to remember those who lost their lives for the cause,” he said, inviting the families of every martyr to take part in it. “We want tomorrow to be a nationwide tidal wave. Shaheedi March will begin centrally from Raju Memorial Sculpture at 3:00pm," he added.          

Newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers on Wednesday said UNICEF’s work is underpinned by a passion for and commitment to children’s rights; and their day-to-day work is driven by a belief in the dignity and the potential of every child and young person. “This is a crucial time for Bangladesh. My heart is with the countless children, young people and families affected by the recent violence, as well as those impacted by the cyclone and recent flooding,” said she said while presenting her credentials to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier on August 5, she had assumed her duties as the Representative.  UNICEF will continue to support Bangladesh to ensure Rohingya children's protection: ED During her meeting, Flowers reaffirmed UNICEF’s strong support to advance the rights of every child in Bangladesh. As UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Flowers provides strategic leadership to UNICEF’s work to improve essential social services for children, including on child health and nutrition, water as well as for the protection of child rights. She will also provide guidance to drive change in areas such as the climate crisis, juvenile justice and reinvigorate skills training through the educational system so young people can get better jobs.    “Working hand in hand with the government, private sector, long-time partners of UNICEF, and with children and adolescents, there is much to build on, and significant work still to be done,” Flowers said. 2 million children at risk as worst floods hit Bangladesh: UNICEF Under the leadership of the new Representative, UNICEF said it will continue to support the Interim Government to map out and deliver short as well as long-term change. In doing so, UNICEF will bridge the provision of urgent humanitarian support to those most impacted by the cyclone and flooding, with ongoing development work. Because every child matters, UNICEF will also continue to focus on stronger protection of, and respect for, the rights of children living in refugee camps. A national of Australia, Flowers brings more than 35 years of experience working in international development, child development, and policy advocacy, including serving as UNICEF Representative to Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Mongolia and Belize. “I am inspired by the calls from the children and youth of Bangladesh for peace and to contribute to shaping a more prosperous future for all. We are listening,” added Flowers. “On behalf of UNICEF, I commit our team to doing all we can to support children and adolescents so that every child survives and thrives in an environment where non-violence, prosperity and opportunity prevail,” she said. END/UNB/MK/FH

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) handed over the body of a 13-year-old Bangladeshi girl, who was shot and killed in BSF firing, to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Tuesday night—45 hours after the incident occurred, according to police. Kulaura Police Station Officer-in-Charge Binoy Bhusan Roy confirmed the handover, stating that the body was subsequently returned to the girl’s family after completing the necessary legal procedures. Lt Col Mizanur Rahman Shikdar, sector commandant of the BGB in Sreemangal, detailed the incident, revealing that the teenager was fatally shot by BSF personnel as she and others attempted to cross into India near the Lalarchak border area of Sharifpur union in Kulaura upazila on Sunday night. A flag meeting was convened between the BGB and BSF to address the situation, Shikdar added. The victim, identified as 13-year-old Swarna Das, was the daughter of Porendra Das, a resident of Kalnigar village in Paschim Juri union under Juri upazila. According to Porendra Das, Swarna and her mother had attempted to cross into India illegally to visit his eldest son, who lives in Tripura. They were aided by two local brokers. Around 9 pm on Sunday, as they reached the fence on the Indian side, BSF personnel opened fire, killing Swarna instantly. Swarna’s mother narrowly escaped the gunfire. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the use of lethal force in border areas.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana (CMGG) was convened virtually on Tuesday evening with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain in the chair. The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. During the virtual meeting the foreign affairs and international cooperation minister of Guyana presented the recent updates on the status of the dispute over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana to the members. The Group reiterated its firm and steadfast support for the ICJ process as the appropriate and lawful means to address the matter under international law. Bangladesh reaffirmed its unequivocal support to the preservation of the territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Guyana. Ministers and representative of Antigua and Barbuda, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom also reaffirmed their commitment towards the sovereign rights of Guyana. After an exhaustive discussion, the group agreed to issue a concluding statement where the group appreciated Guyana’s restraint and adherence to the international law. During the virtual meeting, the ministers expressed condolences on the passing of Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, the longest serving and second Commonwealth Secretary-General, for his exemplary global leadership, his pivotal role in the coordination of international opposition to apartheid in South Africa, his visionary advocacy for the rights of small states, and his tireless work to bring nations together. The Commonwealth secretary general appreciated and thanked the foreign adviser of Bangladesh for chairing the meeting with due expertise and diligence, said a message received here.