United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (July 10, 2024) said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongoing official China visit has not been shortened, but she is returning home tonight to give time to her daughter Saima Wazed who is unwell. “There has been no change in her official engagements. She was supposed to stay in Beijing tonight. But she is returning to spend time with her daughter,” he told reporters. The Foreign Minister said that Saima Wazed, who is the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, was supposed to be part of the visit but she could not as she fell sick on July 8 morning. Saima Wazed is still unwell, said Hasan. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing sign 21 cooperation documents to strengthen ties on diverse fronts Bangladesh and China today signed 21 cooperation documents, mostly MoUs, eyeing stronger development and economic cooperation between the two Asian countries. The two countries also announced seven outcomes, including the conclusion of a joint feasibility study on Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Prime Minister Hasina will leave Beijing for Dhaka tonight, wrapping up her bilateral visit to China. A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage will depart Beijing Capital International Airport at 10 pm (local time) tonight and is scheduled to land at 1 am (Bangladesh time). The premier was earlier scheduled to leave Beijing for Dhaka on Thursday morning. During her stay in Beijing from July 8 to 10, the Bangladesh Prime Minister had a delegation level bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang today. Prime Minister Hasina held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing announce 7 outcomes, including completion of feasibility study on FTA

Bangladesh and China on Wednesday (July 10, 2024) announced seven outcomes, including that conclusion of joint feasibility study on Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Other announced outcomes are commencement of negotiation on the optimisation of Bangladesh-China bilateral investment treaty; completion of the Modernization of Telecommunication Network for Digital Connectivity project; completion of trial run of the Single Point Mooring with Double Pipe Line project; commencement of  Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant; and signing of MoU between Shandong Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur; and the construction of Luban Workshop in Bangladesh. Dhaka-Beijing bilateral meeting starts The outcomes were announced after the delegation-level bilateral meeting led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now visiting Beijing as part of her official visit at the invitation of Chinese premier Li Qiang. She will end her visit after holding a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jingping on Wednesday afternoon. Read more: Dhaka, Beijing likely to sign around 20 MoUs; announce some dev projects: Hasan Mahmud

Bangladesh and China on Wednesday signed 21 cooperation documents, mostly MoUs, eyeing stronger development and economic cooperation between the two Asian countries. The two countries also announced seven outcomes, including the conclusion of joint feasibility study on Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The documents were signed and outcome announced after the delegation-level bilateral meeting led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. Hasina arrived in Beijing on Monday on a three-day official visit at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart. Briefing the media, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said Chinese Primer Li Qiang announced to provide one billion dollars for Bangladesh as economic assistance. The signed documents are MoU on strengthening investment cooperation in the Digital Economy; MoU on Banking and Insurance Regulatory between China National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) and Bangladesh Bank; Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements Export of Fresh Mangoes from Bangladesh to China; MoU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development Policy; MoU on Trade and Investment Cooperation; MoU on Strengthening Digital Economy Cooperation; Minutes of discussions on the Feasibility Study of the China-aid National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh Project; Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 6th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation Project; Exchange the Letters on the Feasibility Study of China-aid Construction of Nateshwar Archaeological Site Park in Bangladesh Project; Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Project; MoU on Strengthening the Cooperation in Medical Care and Public Health; MoU on Strengthening the Infrastructure Cooperation; MoU on Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development; renewing the MoU upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh; MoU between National Radio and Television Administration and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh; MoU between the China Media Group (CMG) and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS); MoU between the China Media Group (CMG) and BTV; agreement between the Xinhua News Agency and BSS;  agreement between the Xinhua News Agency and BTV; renewing the MoU between the Ministry of Education of China and the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh and MoU Regarding Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Infrastructure Development. Other announced outcomes are commencement of negotiation on the optimisation of Bangladesh-China bilateral investment treaty; completion of the Modernization of Telecommunication Network for Digital Connectivity project; completion of trial run of the Single Point Mooring with Double Pipe Line project; commencement of  Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant; and signing of MoU between Shandong Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur; and the construction of Luban Workshop in Bangladesh. PM Hasina wrapped up her visit after holding a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jingping on Wednesday afternoon. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Beijing at 10pm (Beijing time) on Wednesday. Briefing the media, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said 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 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 to his country.  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.  She pointed out Bangladesh’s desire to be included in BRICS in any format. Li assured her of their support regarding this inclusion.  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.

Oman government has opened its labour market in twelve categories including physician, nurse and teachers, said State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury on Tuesday. “Oman has decided to legalise 96,000 Bangladesh expatriates who are living in Oman illegally and the government of Oman is thinking about waiving the fines of the illegal expatriates living in the country,” he said. The minister came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman Abdul Ghaffar Bin Abdul Karim Al-Bulushi at the Secretariat. Currently, the skilled manpower are getting visas but a proposal will be placed to the working committee to recruit unskilled manpower, he said. Expatriate welfare state minister visits UAE, Qatar, Oman to strengthen labour market ties Besides, a brief discussion on dedicating a Technical Training Centre (TTC) to Oman was held, he said adding “We want to train workers in one of the TTC’s as per their demand.” Apart from the cordial relations between the two friendly countries, various issues related to bilateral interests including the economic progress of Bangladesh were discussed during the meeting. A joint working group meeting between the two countries is likely to be held soon. Malaysia and Bangladesh discuss expansion of labour market and worker safety

The Russian House in Dhaka on Monday organized an event dedicated to the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. Director of the Russian House in Dhaka P. Dvoychenkov said in his opening speech that  July 8 is celebrated in Russia as the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. He said family, home, friends and relatives - all this fills our life with a special meaning, helps to reach great heights, overcome any adversity. "In the family, we learn to love and support each other, share joys and sorrows, take care of the elders and raise children. The Day of Family, Love and Fidelity has become one of the most beloved, beautiful and bright family holidays for many years. Today it has gone far beyond the borders of Russia," he said. It is celebrated in 45 countries of the world, our traditions are honored and they know about ancient Murom - the homeland of the patron saints of marriage Peter and Fevronia. He also wished all the couples present harmony, warmth, comfort, love and prosperity. Eleven families who had been married for more than 25 years, who set an example of the strength of family foundations, raised children as worthy members of society in a solemn atmosphere, were awarded medals and certificates "For Love and Fidelity". After the award ceremony, the participants were shown a documentary film "On the Role of Traditional Values in Maintaining Global Stability".  

In a significant step towards Sundarban Management and environmental conservation, Bangladesh and Germany signed two crucial agreements at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bangladesh Secretariat. Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry, and Martina Burkard, Acting Country Director of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Bangladesh, inked the agreements, aimed at the sustainable management of the Sundarbans and the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Swatch of No Ground (SONG). Sundarbans getting back to normal a month after cyclone Remal Dr Farhina said “Integrated Management of the Sundarbans Mangroves and the Marine Protected Area Swatch of No Ground in Bangladesh (SONG) project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL).” The SONG project aims to strengthen marine conservation in Bangladesh by improving collaboration and capacity-building among responsible authorities and stakeholders, engaging fishermen, women, and youth in the coastal communities adjacent to the MPA, she said. Key objectives include enhancing planning and surveillance capacities, scientific monitoring, strengthened knowledge-based decision-making through digital tools, and heightened awareness and support for marine protection among coastal populations and active participation in marine conservation. Mangrove reforestation to be initiated along 52 rivers and canals near Sundarbans Farhina said "Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Financing for Sustainable Management of the Sundarbans and Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh and India (SUNDAR-BAY) project will be implemented from March 2024 to February 2027, focusing on the collaborative efforts between Bangladesh and India for the conservation of the Sundarbans.” The SUNDAR-BAY project aims to improve governmental and non-governmental coordination between the two countries, supporting the conservation of the Sundarbans and the provision of ecosystem services to local communities, especially women and marginalized groups, she said. The project will enhance institutional capacities, promote joint training programs, and support local communities through sustainable income-generating activities and environmental education, she added. Both projects contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Life Below Water (SDG 14) and Life on Land (SDG 15), emphasizing biodiversity and the protection of natural resources. These initiatives reflect the commitment of Bangladesh and Germany to protect vital ecosystems and foster sustainable development in the region. The collaborative efforts are expected to yield significant environmental, social, and economic benefits, ensuring the preservation of the Sundarbans and the Swatch of No Ground for future generations. ‘Sundarbans Honey’ being registered as Bangladesh’s GI product: Industries Ministry Dr. Stefan Alfred Groenewold, Principal Advisor, SONG GIZ Bangladesh and Md. Amir Hosain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department also signed an agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. Additional Secretary (Development) Md Mosharraf Hossain,  Additional Secretary (EPC) Tapan Kumar Biswas and senior officials of the Ministry and GIZ also present on the occasion.

European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson the "Talent Partnership" signed with Bangladesh is part of their "strategic approach" to manage migration promoting safe and legal pathways.  "It is a major step forward for the European Union and Bangladesh. It is also a step forward for the companies in the Europe who are in need of new talent," she said in a video message dedicated to Bangladesh marking the signing of this new partnership. Johansson said promoting safe and legal pathways is the key to their comprehensive cooperation on migration. "We need migration. This way we will manage migration in an orderly way and in a win-win way," said the EU Commissioner.  She said the partnership is an excellent result of the dialogue they had with Bangladesh earlier.  "This is a win-win partnership. Thank you for making this partnership a reality. Thank you for showing migration is normal," Johansson said. She said there will be opportunities to improve skills for those who want to get training and come to Europe and work.  On July 8, the Commission launched a new programme under the umbrella of the Talent Partnership with Bangladesh to boost labour mobility and step-up cooperation on migration.  The new programme will be implemented by the International Labour Organisation from July 2024 to June 2027 and will include mobility schemes between Bangladesh and the EU Member States participating in the Talent Partnership.  EU Ambassador highlights migration benefits through “Talent Partnership with Bangladesh” The EU and Bangladesh will take stock of the implementation of this programme during the third Talent Partnership Roundtable, due to take place in the first half of 2025, according to the EU. This partnership provides mutually beneficial, regular, and safe mobility pathways to the EU, promoting legal labour migration from Bangladesh towards the EU and contributing to the prevention and reduction of irregular migration. The programme “Supporting a Talent Partnership with Bangladesh,” with a budget of EUR 3 million, will be run by the International Labour Organisation, leveraging its expertise in labour market trends, skills development, and social dialogue.  It will support the implementation of the Talent Partnership, focusing on building skills and addressing training needs in sectors that are of interest both to Bangladesh and the EU, in view of facilitating mobility to EU countries. The programme will enhance access to information on labour markets, provide concrete support by means of vocational and professional training as well as language and soft skills training, and facilitate the recognition and validation of skills.  It will also reinforce key Bangladeshi legal migration stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector and civil society organisations, involved in the implementation of the partnership. Investment in education should be steadfast, further boosted: Ambassador Whiteley The Talent Partnership with Bangladesh is designed to identify common needs and joint actions and transform the risk of “brain drain” into a “brain gain” for all partners.  It offers a strategic and sustainable cooperation framework, enabling the EU and its Member States and Bangladesh to develop a coherent set of actions on labour mobility and skills development. In June 2021, the Commission launched Talent Partnerships to help address skill shortages in the EU and strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships on migration with non-EU countries.  The Commission is currently developing Talent Partnerships with four other partner countries – Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia – and several EU Member States. At the launching ceremony, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley said the signed “Talent Partnership with Bangladesh” will benefit migrants and their families economically. He said the partnership will also improve overall migration management, increase labour force skills, and strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity for cooperation with countries of destination outside the EU, including the reduction of irregular migration. Acting Foreign Secretary Md Nazrul Islam said, "We are confident that the Talent Partnership project will significantly contribute towards upgrading of technical and vocational training in Bangladesh with a view to enhancing workers' employability and competitiveness not only for EU Member States but also for the global market." He assured that the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies of the government of Bangladesh will extend all possible cooperation to make the project a grand success. "Bangladesh stands ready to offer the leverage of its demographic dividend coupled with the vast pool of skilled human resources," he said. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday reached Beijing to start a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. A special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, that left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:05am, carrying the PM and her entourage landed at Beijing Capital International Airport at 6pm local time (4:00pm BST). During her stay in China, Hasina will have separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang (on July 10) at the Great Hall of the People and join a summit meeting on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and China (on July 09). Dhaka and Beijing are likely to sign some 20 MoUs and announce inauguration of some development projects after a bilateral meeting between the two sides to be led by the two premiers.

Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Monday said the signed “Talent Partnership with Bangladesh” will benefit migrants and their families economically. He said the partnership will also improve overall migration management, increase labour force skills, and strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity for cooperation with countries of destination outside the EU, including the reduction of irregular migration. Whiteley said the Talent Partnership marks another milestone in Bangladesh-EU relations, and this win-win effort will boost sustainable growth and address labour market demands in Europe. Acting Foreign Secretary Dr Md Nazrul Islam, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson (delivered video message), Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Chargé d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Dhaka Jan-Rolf Janowski, representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Bangladesh, also spoke at the event. The acting Foreign Secretary said they see immense potential in providing skilled workforce to the EU Member States in the sectors of ICT, nursing and caregiving, hospitality and tourism, construction, transport and logistics, garments and textile, agriculture and agro-processing, shipbuilding, etc. "We are confident that the Talent Partnership project will significantly contribute towards upgrading of technical and vocational training in Bangladesh with a view to enhancing workers' employability and competitiveness not only for EU Member States but also for the global market," he said.  

The Committee for a Democratic Bangladesh, a non-profit platform of Bangladeshi-Americans, has written to US Ambassador Peter Haas regarding legal issues surrounding Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The letter highlights that employees of Dr. Yunus sued him for unlawfully withholding dues. “Trial court found Dr. Yunus was not paying his own taxes either. He was found guilty and sentenced with jail term. But strangely, Dr. Yunus, even now, faults Sheikh Hasina for his miseries,” the letter reads. The platform requested the US Ambassador to present their views to President Joe Biden. The message was also sent to Senator Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and the political desk of the US State Department. Foundation behind Magsaysay Award felicitates Prof. Yunus on 40th anniversary of his 'first international honour' The letter claims Dr. Yunus is a beneficiary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s support. It notes that PM Hasina granted licenses for his microfinance loan program and other ventures, such as Grameen Phone, and Grameen Bank with the Government of Bangladesh, which contributed Tk 500 crores for its initial capitalization. “I think, the President of the United States was overwhelmed by Dr. Yunus’ too powerful American lobby. I feel, the US Government should ask for a UN audit of all ventures controlled by Dr. Yunus. US and CIA must be on the know about 43 attempts to kill Sheikh Hasina,” wrote Khalid Hasan, Convener of Committee for a Democratic Bangladesh, in the letter on behalf of the platform. The letter also references the August 21, 2004, grenade attack intended to assassinate Sheikh Hasina. 14th ‘Social Business Day’ hosted by Prof Yunus concludes in Manila “BNP leader Tarique Rahman together with home minister of BNP Government, conspired and executed a violent grenade attack on a post-demonstration assembly of Awami League leaders and organizers. Sheikh Hasina was saved miraculously,” reads the letter. At least 31 people, including Ivy Rahman, wife of Awami League’s first General Secretary Zillur Rahman, were killed. Most survivors were injured by grenade splinters. The attack aimed to eliminate the leadership of the Awami League. The letter criticizes the lack of action from the US government and the silence of Nobel Peace laureate Dr. Yunus regarding the attack. “Sadly, there was no action by US. They did not ask for resignation of BNP Government. Surprising also was the silence of the Nobel Peace laureate Dr. Yunus. He did not condemn the grenade killing, nor did he console the victim’s family or party,” reads the letter. The Committee emphasizes that the continuation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister is crucial for national development and legal reform. It draws a parallel with America’s fight for independence 200 years ago. “Bangladesh must assert its ‘war of independence ideals’ and put a rein on the Islamic fundamentalists and terrorists. Sheikh Hasina is earnestly pursuing this policy. We must let her continue unabated,” the letter concludes.