United News of Bangladesh

- Former Serbian President Boris Tadić paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday. "I love this country. Tell me if I can help you," Tadić said. The former Serbian president praised Prof Yunus's leadership and the mass uprising of July and August. He said he would be keen to support Bangladesh. Nothing negative suddenly emerging as Trump is President: Prof Yunus During the meeting, both leaders discussed geopolitical issues, challenges the interim government has been facing, and the history of Serbia, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. Tadić is in Dhaka to join the Bay of Bengal Conference, hosted by the Centre for Governance Studies.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said he does not see any negative thing emerging suddenly because Donald Trump (President-elect) is President of the United States, stressing that he does not have any problem with Trump in a personal way. “I think foreign policy of the United States is not something that switches back and forth depending on who is the President,” he said while responding to a question during an interview with Qatar-based media Al Jazeera, adding that there is a stable part of that policy. Prof Yunus said he has no problem as far as the Republican Party or Democratic Party is concerned, or even Trump is concerned. Trump names fossil fuel executive Chris Wright as energy secretary The chief adviser said he had no interaction with President Trump in the past and he has friends in both the parties.   Donald Trump will officially become the 47th President of the United States at a ceremony called the inauguration. The inauguration day will take place on January 20, 2025 and it is the day Donald Trump moves into the White House. Until then President Joe Biden remains in the top job. It will be the second time that Trump is going to take up the role - after previously having served as president between 2017 and 2021. Before the US election, Trump condemned the "barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh.” “It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength!” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Responding to a question by an Al Jazeera journalist on this, Prof Yunus said this is mostly propaganda – totally baseless propaganda. “It’s unfortunate.” He said most of the propaganda originates from the Indian side for whatever reason it may be – to keep the tensions alive, probably.  Majority Whip Durbin expresses support for Dr. Yunus at US Senate “But in reality, it does not exist,” said Prof Yunus, adding that violence started during the period of revolution not because they are Hindus or other religions but because mostly they were Awami Leaguers. “Most of the Hindus happened to be Awami Leaguers.” In his televised speech on Sunday evening, the chief adviser said the minorities were subjected to violence in some cases but it was ‘completely exaggerated’. “When we took over the charge, Bangladesh was a completely unguarded country. At that time, there was an attempt to spread unnecessary panic among religious minorities,” he said. The chief adviser said the main reason for the few incidents of violence that occurred was political.

COP29, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, has entered its final week in Baku, Azerbaijan, as global ministers converge for high-stakes negotiations.  Against the backdrop of a year marked by record-breaking heat and climate-induced disasters, COP29 is widely anticipated as a potential turning point, with the global community pressing for substantial commitments to finance climate resilience, gender equity, and just transition policies. A "Climate Finance COP" Amid Global Crises As extreme weather impacts countries worldwide, this conference has focused heavily on the urgent need for robust climate finance from wealthy nations to assist developing countries in adapting to and mitigating climate impacts. Dubbed the "climate finance COP," COP29’s outcomes are expected to center on mobilizing funds for vulnerable nations, many of whom are bearing the brunt of climate-induced droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Navigating the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) A centerpiece of COP29, the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), is aimed at providing a structured and ambitious funding framework to meet global climate adaptation and mitigation needs. Negotiators are poring over a dense, 25-page draft document described by insiders as a “maze,” where various funding options and mechanisms remain under debate. Principles of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC) and equity are essential to progressing on this issue. Delegates from developing countries argue that NCQG should be a responsibility borne by developed nations and are advocating for direct public finance, grants, and tax reform rather than private investments. Proposals to broaden the contributor base and introduce a global investment mechanism have sparked concern among some nations, who worry these changes could dilute accountability and divert responsibility. Progress on the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP) A significant focal point of this year’s negotiations is the UAE Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP), which seeks to support workers and communities affected by the shift from fossil fuels to greener energy sources. JTWP discussions have highlighted the importance of human rights, labor rights, and Indigenous rights, along with calls for social dialogue to ensure the transition process is fair for informal and caregiving economies. Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, spoke passionately about the need for urgent action: “Frontline communities, especially youth and marginalized groups, need more than just promises. COP29 must translate goals into immediate actions. The Just Transition Work Programme represents a lifeline for countless lives and livelihoods.” Will COP29 deliver on climate finance promises for vulnerable nations? Setbacks in the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) Progress on the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), designed to drive climate action pre-2030, has stalled, with discussions likely postponed until the Bonn Climate Change Conference. The delay could jeopardize efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the Paris Agreement’s target. Activists and experts have stressed that MWP should remain a top priority to prevent escalating climate impacts in the coming years. Gender and Climate Justice: Addressing Intersectionality Gender equity is another high-priority agenda item at COP29, though progress has been challenging. Delegates from vulnerable nations are calling for increased funding to ensure gender-responsive climate policies, with a particular focus on women and gender-diverse populations, who often face the most significant climate impacts. Proposed reductions in human rights language within the Lima Work Program on Gender have led to backlash from activists, who argue that inclusive climate policies must address the intersection of gender, race, class, and ability. Groups such as the MenEngage Alliance have also advocated for the involvement of men and boys in gender-transformative climate solutions. Sohanur Rahman reinforced this need, stating, “Men and boys must be engaged in the climate solution. A gender-transformative approach strengthens communities and leads to sustainable outcomes for all. True climate justice leaves no one behind.” High-Level Political Absences Add Complexity The absence of key global leaders, including Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron, and newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about the strength of global commitments. The U.S. political landscape casts a particular shadow over COP29, with Trump’s administration expected to review America’s involvement in the Paris Agreement. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro also missed the conference due to health and emergency crises at home, while Argentina’s entire delegation departed following orders from President Javier Milei, adding to the tense diplomatic atmosphere. In a pointed exchange, Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva challenged Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who called fossil fuels a “gift from God” during the conference's opening. Silva warned of the dangers of fossil dependency, comparing it to an unhealthy diet that leads to chronic illness. Bangladeshi CSOs demand fossil fuel phase out, revision of power master plan at COP 29 Rising Emissions and Record Temperatures Add Pressure As COP29 progresses, alarming climate statistics have amplified the urgency of the discussions. The World Meteorological Organization recently warned that 2024 may set a new record for the hottest year, with global temperatures between January and September already exceeding pre-industrial averages by 1.54ºC. Meanwhile, the Global Carbon Budget 2024 report predicts emissions will reach an unprecedented 41.6 billion tons this year, with no signs of a peak in CO2 levels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed innovative funding mechanisms, such as taxes on shipping, aviation, and fossil fuel extraction, to generate the necessary capital for climate action in developing countries. However, technical negotiations in the initial week were primarily focused on emissions monitoring and the establishment of a resilient global carbon market. Looking Forward: Urgent Action Needed As COP29 heads into its final week, countries including Brazil, the UAE, and the UK have committed to revising their emissions reduction targets in line with the 1.5ºC goal by February 2025. However, without substantial emissions pledges and stronger high-level political support, skepticism remains high regarding the conference's final outcomes. Sohanur Rahman, speaking for frontline communities, summed up the urgency facing COP29: “We can no longer afford to wait. COP29 must lay the groundwork for climate justice, inclusivity, and meaningful action that brings hope to communities worldwide.” As negotiations enter their decisive phase, the global community is watching, hopeful that COP29 will deliver the necessary steps toward an equitable and sustainable future.

Diplomats representing 27 European countries, stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi, will together meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus soon in a show of support to his interim government and boost economic cooperation with Bangladesh. "Never before, 27 ambassadors from the European Union have come together to discuss with the government," said Prof Yunus. The reason for this meeting is to express the EU's support and to develop high-level cooperation in the economic field, he said on Sunday evening in his televised speech to the nation. Twenty ambassadors from 20 European countries are based in New Delhi, and seven ambassadors are based in Dhaka. The twenty European ambassadors from Delhi will come to Dhaka in the next few days to meet Prof Yunus together with the seven ambassadors based in Dhaka. Read: Commonwealth to work with interim govt to build "inclusive, prosperous" Bangladesh: ASG The ambassadors of various countries who voluntarily met Prof Yunus in Dhaka have already reiterated the commitment of their heads of government. They have started working on a completely new framework for helping the interim government. "The ambassadors who are based in Delhi have come from Delhi to meet me," Prof Yunus said. Ambassadors from many countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Singapore, and Libya, have already met Prof Yunus. He said the diplomats have assured him of increasing trade and investment, along with various bilateral cooperation.

Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Prof Luis Gabriel Franceschi has emphasized Commonwealth’s commitment to working with the interim government to build a "discrimination-free, inclusive, and prosperous" Bangladesh. A high-level Commonwealth delegation, led by Franceschi, called on Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the latter’s office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The ASG is in Dhaka on a four-day official visit and scheduled to meet different dignitaries of the interim government. Prof Franceschi appreciated the efforts of the current government of Bangladesh towards democratic reform and assured of the Commonwealth’s support in every possible way towards ongoing reform initiatives of the government including for the electoral process reform. Foreign Adviser Hossain sought the international community’s support for the Rohingyas. He emphasized that Bangladesh cannot solve this problem by its own and said that the only solution to this crisis lies in the safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar with respect and rights. The ASG reiterated the Commonwealth’s strong support to resolve the Rohingya crisis and stressed on the importance of continued humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas. During the meeting, the Foreign Adviser highlighted the background of the historic student-led mass movement that dismantled and ultimately thwarted the autocratic regime and paved the way to reinstate the democratic process in Bangladesh. He also briefed the delegation on the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government to ensure a smooth and inclusive democratic transition and not return to the same situation again. The Foreign Adviser emphasised that the interim government of Bangladesh is a reflection of the aspirations of the people, particularly the nation’s youth and sought support from the Commonwealth for the reform initiatives of the interim government. The Assistant Secretary General also called on Adviser for Social Welfare Sharmeen Murshid. She stressed that the interim government is much stronger than any previous government as it has overwhelming support of the mass people. She briefed the delegation about the plan for the injured mass and sought support from the Commonwealth for counselling, re-teaching and therapies.

Bangladesh and Austria have discussed the need for developing clean energy technologies and climate change adaptability. Bangladesh said developed countries should come forth with the committed necessary funds for adaptation and mitigation alongside their words. The issues were discussed when non-resident Ambassador of Austria to Bangladesh Katharina Weiser met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin separately at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The Austrian Ambassador seconded that the economic viability of climate-friendly/green technologies would contribute towards a sustainable solution for all.

Right to Freedom, a leading platform for defending democracy and human rights across South Asia, has announced a leadership transition following the resignation of its founding Executive Director, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey. Mushfique, who played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission over the past five years, will join Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ team to represent the new Bangladesh on the global stage. Since its inception, Right to Freedom has been committed to amplifying independent voices and highlighting the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes. Despite operating in a complex environment shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of authoritarianism, the organization has achieved significant milestones. With generous support from individual and institutional sponsors, Right to Freedom has effectively communicated the importance of human rights and democratic values to audience in South Asia and beyond. Interim Leadership The Right to Freedom Board is pleased to announce that Board Member Jon Danilowicz will assume the role of interim Executive Director while a search for a permanent successor is conducted. Jon brings decades of experience in diplomacy and human rights advocacy, having served as a Senior Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. Department of State with extensive leadership roles in South Asia. Jon’s distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassies in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Juba, South Sudan, as well as Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has also managed multi-million-dollar law enforcement and justice sector assistance programs in Pakistan and Panama. A former faculty member at the U.S. Naval War College, Jon brings a wealth of strategic insight to his role at Right to Freedom. The Board sees this transition as an opportunity to deepen its work on Bangladesh while expanding efforts across South Asia, where human rights continue to face significant threats.

Right to Freedom, a leading platform for defending democracy and human rights across South Asia, has announced a leadership transition following the resignation of its founding Executive Director Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey. Mushfique, who played a pivotal role in advancing the organisation’s mission over the past five years, will join Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’ team to represent the new Bangladesh on the global stage, according to a press release. Since its inception, Right to Freedom has been committed to amplifying independent voices and highlighting the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes. Despite operating in a complex environment shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of authoritarianism, the organisation has achieved significant milestones.  With generous support from individual and institutional sponsors, Right to Freedom has effectively communicated the importance of human rights and democratic values to audience in South Asia and beyond. Interim Leadership The Right to Freedom Board announced that Board Member Jon Danilowicz will assume the role of interim Executive Director while a search for a permanent successor is conducted. Jon brings decades of experience in diplomacy and human rights advocacy, having served as a Senior. Foreign Service Officer in the US Department of State with extensive leadership roles in South Asia. Jon’s distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassies in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Juba, South Sudan, as well as Principal Officer at the US Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has also managed multi-million-dollar law enforcement and justice sector assistance programs in Pakistan and Panama.  A former faculty member at the US Naval War College, Jon brings a wealth of strategic insight to his role at Right to Freedom. The Board sees this transition as an opportunity to deepen its work on Bangladesh while expanding efforts across South Asia, where human rights continue to face significant threats.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said India will continue to seek a “stable, positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh in which the people of both countries are the main stakeholders.  Speaking on Bangladesh-India relations during the Bay of Bengal Conversation, he stressed that India takes a long-term view of its relations with Bangladesh. Highlighting the importance of India-Bangladesh relations, the High Commissioner said India believes that the “peace, security, progress and prosperity” of the two countries are interlinked. He underlined the continued progress in trade, transport and energy connectivity and people-to-people engagements as a reflection of multifaceted ties, in which the “reality of our interdependence and mutual benefit will keep reasserting itself, regardless of political changes.” Nazrul's works are a shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh, India: Pranay Verma The High Commissioner cited the launch of 40MW power transmissions from Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid, and the augmentation of infrastructure at the Petrapole-Benapole Integrated Check Post, both within this month itself, as examples of continued progress in bilateral exchanges. The envoy also described India-Bangladesh cooperation as an anchor for regional integration envisaged under architectures such as Bimstec. The High Commissioner expressed India’s commitment to working together with the government and people of Bangladesh to fulfill their shared aspirations for peace, security and development and to ensure that our partnership continues to bring benefit to the common people on both sides. The Centre for Governance Studies is hosting the three-day event in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday conveyed to UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West that the reform initiatives are aimed at ensuring “free and fair" elections in the country and to break away from the "rampant vote rigging" practiced by the previous regime. During the meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, Prof Yunus described his government's reform initiatives to fix the country's key institutions and the election commission. Minister West backed the reforms, saying Britain would like to see vibrant debates on the key aspects of electoral, judiciary and constitutional reforms. "Debates are very important." Dhaka seeks stronger cooperation with London for tracing, return of "stolen" wealth She said her government would extend “full support” to Bangladesh, including in its efforts to bring back billions of dollars of laundered money, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. "It is important to let you know that you've got our support," Catherine West said. The British minister said the United Kingdom would also extend its support to Dhaka's efforts to bring back tens of billions of dollars siphoned off abroad during Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year-long rule. Yunus thanked her, saying that returning money laundered by corrupt politicians, oligarchs and bureaucrats is a top priority of the interim government. He quoted a recent Transparency International Bangladesh report, saying that annually more than 12 billion dollars were siphoned off abroad. UK expects Prof Yunus to lay out his vision: Catherine West The minister announced £10.3 million of UK grant support to provide essential services and assistance to the Rohingya refugees, the host communities and those affected by natural disasters in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus reiterated his call for a "UN-overseen safe zone" for communities in Myanmar's violence-plagued Rakhine so that they don't have to flee across the border to Bangladesh and charities and aid groups can take food and assistance at the doorsteps of the displaced people. During the meeting, they also discussed geopolitical issues, minority rights, ties with South Asian neighbours, and Bangladesh's recent 40 megawatt energy deal with Nepal. Yunus said his government has fully backed the creation of a South Asia electricity grid to bring power from hydroelectricity-rich Nepal and Bhutan. Rohingya Crisis: "No light at the end of the tunnel yet" He said Bangladesh can ease off its reliance on fossil fuels if it can import renewable energy from the two Himalayan countries. He said Bangladesh needs collaboration with India to this effect. During the meeting, Sarah Cook, the British High Commissioner to Dhaka, said a UK medical team arrived in the country this month to treat students and other demonstrators who were critically injured during the July-August mass uprising. "They are conducting three surgeries a day," she said.