United News of Bangladesh

Visiting Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Liu Jianchao on Monday expressed his optimism that the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China would be very fruitful one. "I think that the forthcoming visit by the Prime Minister is going to be a very fruitful one," he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. The Chinese leader said they are very much looking forward to the visit by PM Hasina in about two weeks' time. The minister is now visiting Bangladesh to discuss issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and China. He arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a four-day official visit. Chinese Minister Liu Jianchao in city "So we do have a lots of expectations, and I am sure that our two governments and government agencies will work out a general plan for the cooperation between our two countries in time to come," said the Chinese minister. He said they had a very in-depth and comprehensive discussion on bilateral relations, the history of the relationship, and friendship. "Thus, the friendship was cemented throughout these years, nearly fifty years after …since our bilateral relation was established in 1975," Jianchao said. He said China shares the interest and also the very strong inspiration, enthusiasm in working with Bangladesh in its drive for prosperity, for example the Vision-2041 and also goal to achieve a Smart Bangladesh. And, China and Bangladesh can work in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, investment, manufacturing and also trade, he said. "China remains a brand as a neighbour and a partner for your modernisation drives. So, we will do it within the framework of Belt and Road Initiative," he added. During his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan, the Chinese Minister said they also touched upon some regional and international issues. "We do have very identical views on most of the issues and also stress on the interactions and the context when communicating between the political parties in two countries," he said. The Chinese leader said they believe that the government policies very often originate from party lines. "So we believe that the kind of interactions between the political parties are very useful, it is helping of people to understand better each other and also it is helping the governments to formulate the reasonable and current policies to each other." He said such interactions are important and this is the process of mutual learning. Dhaka, Delhi discussed joint river management: Hasan Mahmud Asked about likely documents to be signed, he said they expect agreements are going to be in the many areas. "We do sign agreements and you know, we promise and we deliver." Responding to a question, the Chinese leader said they appreciate the generosity and humanitarian support from the Bangladesh government; and noted that the Rohingya issue is becoming more difficult. He said China will continue to play a role in pursuing solution to the problem by working with different parties that related to the Rohingya issue. The Chinese minister will meet President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Tuesday. His trip is seen as part of regular exchanges of high-level visits, but the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China is likely to be discussed, MoFA sources earlier said. PM Hasina's expected visit to China early July was underscored during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China's commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations. Ambassador Yao emphasised the significance of the visit in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh's aspirations for "Vision 2041" and the realisation of a "Smart Bangladesh." "It will be another historical one. It will be a game-changer. It will open a new chapter," Ambassador Yao told reporters while responding to a question at a seminar recently about Hasina's forthcoming trip. The ambassador made the remarks when a reporter sought to know about a date of PM's Hasina's proposed visit next month. Recently, Yao said Bangladesh and China should deepen their strategic partnership for cooperation and explore new growth points.

State Minister for Post, Telecommunication and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has urged the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Member States to build a platform for promoting seamless connectivity, cross-border data flow and development-oriented innovation for meaningful digital transformation in the region. He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at the closing session of the two-day “Regional Consultation on Global Digital Compact (GDC)” held in Dhaka on June 23. The two-day regional consultation was jointly organized by the Government of Bangladesh and BIMSTEC Secretariat. The consultation aimed to identify and promote shared objectives and relevant priorities towards facilitating a unified voice in the ongoing negotiations on GDC at the UN in New York. It is expected that the GDC would be adopted by world leaders at the UN Summit of the Future in September this year, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s interest in digital diplomacy in keeping with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision-2041 of a “Smart Bangladesh”. BIMSTEC Secretary General emphasizes regional collaboration for inclusive digital landscape As a case in point, he recalled the proposal mooted by the Agency to Innovate (a2i) under ICT Division on a “Zero Digital Divide” at the UN last year. He also highlighted a number of initiatives shared by Bangladesh with other countries in the Global South on digital public service delivery and innovation. State Minister Palak stressed the need for ensuring data privacy and security while upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms. He said that the government finalized the draft of a Data Protection Act in compliance with relevant international norms and standards. The meeting Chair Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen assured of taking forward the momentum created by the regional consultation in Bangladesh’s capacity as the next BIMSTEC Chair. BIMSTEC Secretary General visits Bhutan, highlights regional cooperation  Among other issues, he underscored the need for promoting digital literacy and human-centric application of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. In his remarks, Secretary of ICT Division Md. Shamsul Arefin proposed the establishment of a “BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence” for sharing best practices on digital connectivity, cyber-security and digital literacy among the Member States. The UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis appreciated Bangladesh’s initiative to host the regional consultation around the UN initiative to promote an open, secure and inclusive digital future for all. She reiterated the UN’s commitment to support countries to follow up on GDC implementation in the coming years, including for ensuring digital inclusion of those lagging behind. Professor Veranja Karunaratne from the Sri Lankan delegation, Mahishini Colonne, Director (Science, Technology & Innovation) at BIMSTEC Secretariat, and A H M Bazlur Rahman, Executive Coordinator, Bangladesh Initiative for Unified Voices on Global Digital Compact and UN Summit of the Future 2024 also spoke at the event. PM's Energy Adviser urges BIMSTEC members to collaborate for regional progress The two-day consultation consisted of five technical sessions where BIMSTEC Member States discussed shared priorities concerning five key GDC objectives. The consultation involved relevant stakeholders, including government officials, academics, entrepreneurs, IT professionals and youth participants. The technical discussions were chaired by Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Director General (UN & MEA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Four former local staff members of the Embassy of Japan were honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, in a  ceremony held at the official residence of H.E.  Iwama Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh. This prestigious decoration was conferred by the Government of Japan in recognition of their contributions to the embassy's operations over many years. Khurshid Alam, who served as an office boy for over 30 years, was acknowledged for his unwavering support to embassy staff and his exemplary role in mentoring younger colleagues.  Abdus Salam, with 28 years of service as a clerk in the administration section, was recognized for his meticulous preparation of official documents and handling of office procedures with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Swapan Kumar Barua, who worked as a messenger for more than four decades, received the award for his flawless delivery of diplomatic documents to dignitaries and the diplomatic corps. Lastly, Thomas Philip, who maintained the embassy's gardens for over 30 years, was honoured for his dedication to preserving the beauty of both the embassy's extensive gardens and the interior of the official residence. During the ceremony, Ambassador Iwama expressed profound gratitude to the awardees for their significant contributions to the embassy’s activities. The decision to bestow these honours was made by the Government of Japan, underscoring the longstanding commitment and service of these dedicated individuals.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh and India discussed river management, including Teesta, noting that there are 54 rivers that two countries share. “There were discussions regarding the Teesta and joint river management. If we can establish a joint management of the rivers, it will benefit both countries,” he said. Bangladesh seeks India’s support to join BRICS under any format: FM  Minister Hasan, who accompanied Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her two-day state visit to India on June 21-22, was responding to a question from a reporter at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To take forward the cooperation in water resources, both countries have decided to constitute a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. India expressed interest to assist Bangladesh with "conservation and management" of Teesta River, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' South Asia Wing. Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said a technical delegation will visit Bangladesh for a project on "conservation and management" of Teesta River inside Bangladesh. "We will also be undertaking conservation and management of the Teesta River inside Bangladesh with suitable Indian assistance," said Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Saturday in New Delhi. He said Bangladesh is a key part of India's SAGAR doctrine and the Indo-Pacific Vision. 2 countries working together to unearth mystery behind Anwarul’s murder: FM In terms of bilateral partnership on the rivers management, the Indian Foreign Secretary said. common rivers and their suitable management is of utmost importance for India and Bangladesh. "To this end, a joint technical committee to initiate discussions for renewal of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 has been formed. Technical discussions on these will soon begin," he added. Bangladesh reiterated the early conclusion of Teesta Water Sharing Treaty.   When asked about the arrival of India's technical team, the Foreign Minister said Indian technical team needs to visit Bangladesh as Teesta is a large project. “The arrival of the technical team is very positive," he added. Replying to a query, he said there was no discussion regarding China on Teesta. Conducting negotiations instead of provocation to find ways for Rohingya repatriation: FM Hasan Responding to another question, Hasan said he extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh when he exchanged greetings with him at a royal reception while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka awarded grants to four projects by journalism students and young journalists on Sunday who participated in the first-ever TechCamp in Bangladesh, totaling $18,430. The ceremony took place at Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) headquarter, Mohakhali in the capital. This grant event marks a significant milestone following the three-day TechCamp: Empowering Journalists, Ensuring Truth, which took place from February 6 to 8 this year. Fifty journalism students and young journalists from across the nation were selected to participate in this groundbreaking initiative, where they received training from international experts on media literacy, fact-checking methodologies, countering misinformation, cybersecurity, and the application of artificial intelligence in journalism. The four projects receiving grants are: "Coastal Voices," "Empowering Media Students to Identify News Sources and Eliminating Misinformation and Disinformation," "Media Literacy Beyond the Screen: Bridging Gaps, Building Minds" and "Voice for Voiceless." According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, the embassy continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering young journalists and fostering a culture of truth and media literacy in Bangladesh through theses grants. Stephen Ibelli, Public Affairs Counselor at the US Embassy, congratulated the winners for their dedication to Tech Camp's objectives. "You play a crucial role in advancing media literacy and combating misinformation. Now you can use your newly acquired skills to make a positive impact in your communities," he said. Ejaj Ahmad, Founder and President of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), was also present at the ceremony among others. Tech Camp was organized in partnership with the Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC) Inc. and the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (FCA) at the US Department of State.

Egypt has expressed its interest in importing rawhides from Bangladesh. Egyptian Ambassador to Bangladesh Omar Mohie Eldin Ahmed Fahmy expressed this keenness during the meeting with State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu at the Secretariat on Sunday. Besides, they want to work together using the past experience of Bangladesh's jute industry to develop the jute industry in Egypt. During the meeting, State Minister Titu said the ministry is working on commercial agreements with 26 countries worldwide. Once investment is done, the market advantage of Southeast Asia, ASEAN countries can be used from this country. “Investment opportunities will increase if interested top business representatives of Egypt come to the country,” he stated.  Earlier, Titu spoke to the annual performance agreement (APA) signing ceremony of the departments under the Ministry of Commerce and said the ministry is working on LDC transition under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Digitization should be increased to facilitate services. Work should be done to facilitate the relationship between the departments. Chairman of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission Ahmed Munirus Salehin, Director General of National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate AHM Shafiquzzaman, General Secretary Naveed Shafiullah, Joint Secretary Nahida Afroz, Chairman of Bangladesh Tea Board Major General Md. Ashraful Islam along with heads of departments under the ministry and senior officials of the ministry were present.

The European Union has made available additional assistance worth €700 000 for people affected by Cyclone Remal. This brings the EU’s total contribution for this emergency close to €2 million. The EU’s funding will reinforce the ongoing emergency response of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday. Out of the total, €200,000 are newly released as part of the EU's overall contribution to IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), while the remaining €500,000 come from previous funding reserves in the framework of the EU’s partnership with IFRC. Bangladesh signs air transport agreements with Switzerland, EU These funds will support actions targeting 650,000 people and focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including children, women, and people with disabilities. Aid will include multipurpose cash assistance to help the most affected population meet their needs, giving them the flexibility to pay for the things they need most, for example food, clothing, or medicines. Among other actions, mobile medical teams will provide primary health care services to the affected population, including mental health and psychosocial support and first aid. In addition, disease prevention and health promotion campaigns will help prevent insect- and water-transmitted diseases, by raising awareness about safe water practices, sanitation, and hygiene. The latter is particularly important ahead of the upcoming monsoon season. Sweden provides USD 1.2 million in humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh’s cyclone affected communities Cyclone Remal made landfall in Bangladesh on May 26, 2024. The cyclone wreaked havoc on land for nearly 48 hours and was accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding. On 3 June, the EU announced €1.2 million initial funding to swiftly assist victims of cyclone Remal in Bangladesh and India.

Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Liu Jianchao is now visiting Bangladesh to discuss issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and China. He arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a four-day official visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The Chinese minister will meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, said the official.  China Bangladesh’s most trusted friend on journey toward modernization: Ambassador Yao Wen His meeting with the president will be held on Tuesday while meetings with the prime minister and the foreign minister are scheduled to be held separately on Monday.  The trip is seen as part of regular exchanges of high-level visits, but the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China is likely to be discussed, MoFA sources said.  PM Hasina's visit to China in the second week of July was underscored during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, who reiterated China's commitment to boosting investment in Bangladesh and enhancing bilateral relations. Ambassador Yao emphasised the significance of the visit in promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange, aligning with Bangladesh's aspirations for "Vision 2041" and the realisation of a "Smart Bangladesh." PM Hasina's forthcoming China visit will be a game-changer in Dhaka-Beijing ties: Ambassador Yao Wen "It will be another historical one. It will be a game-changer. It will open a new chapter," Ambassador Yao told reporters while responding to a question at a seminar recently about Hasina's forthcoming trip. The ambassador made the remarks when a reporter sought to know about a date of PM's Hasina's proposed visit next month. "Let's wait and see," the envoy said. Recently, Yao said Bangladesh and China should deepen their strategic partnership for cooperation and explore new growth points. "China is willing to work with Bangladesh to continue exploring cooperation opportunities under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative," he said. In particular, the ambassador said they were willing to promote the upgrading of industries and the digitalisation process in Bangladesh. In January last week, Chinese Communist Party’s Vice Minister of the International Division Sun Haiyan visited Bangladesh and met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leaders.

Bangladesh and India on Saturday agreed that peaceful management of border is a shared priority for both countries. The two sides stressed that the casualties at the border should be brought to zero. Both sides reiterated that two border guarding forces should also work for combating smuggling, narcotics, illegal movement, and trafficking. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi recognised the importance of water resources management in the bilateral relationship. To take forward the cooperation in water resources, both countries have decided to constitute a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty. India expressed interests to assist Bangladesh with "conservation and management" of Teesta River, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' South Asia Wing. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs said a technical delegation will visit Bangladesh for a project on "conservation and management" of Teesta River inside Bangladesh. Bangladesh reiterated the early conclusion of Teesta Water Sharing Treaty.    Hasina, Modi endorse shared vision for future enhancing connectivity, commerce, collaboration for shared prosperity Bangladesh side requested the Indian side to ensure predictable supply of the essential food commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, onion, ginger and garlic. Both sides noted that expeditious conclusion of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) would give further boost to the ongoing cooperation in the area of trade and commerce. Two leaders expressed satisfaction in the existing power cooperation between the two countries. In the spirit of enhancing sub-regional power cooperation, the two leaders appreciated the operationalization of exporting 40 MW power from Nepal through Indian transmission lines. They agreed to facilitate power sector cooperation among Bangladesh-India-Nepal and Bangladesh-India-Bhutan. The two sides expressed satisfaction on operationalization of new river protocol routes.  They agreed to commence a new passenger train from Rajshahi to Kolkata and bus service from Chattogram to Kolkata. Hasina paid a state visit to India from June 21 to 22 at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. This was the first bilateral visit by any Head of State/Government to India after the formation of the government following the 18th Lok Sabha elections in India. It was also the first bilateral visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to India after the formation of government in Bangladesh.  PM Hasina returns home after 2-day state visit to India The prime minister started her official engagement with a ceremonial reception, presentation of arms and guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of the Prime Minister of India. After that she paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. During the visit, PM Hasina held meetings with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, where they discussed wide-range of bilateral issues. Sheikh Hasina also called on President of India Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on the the Prime Minister. A select CEOs and reputed businessmen from both countries called on the Prime Minister and discussed the ways and means of promoting bilateral trade and commerce.  During the call on the president and the vice president, PM Hasina stressed the friendly and collaborative relations between the two neighbours. The president and the vice president termed the prime minister as the longest serving women leader and noted that she is the pride of the entire region. They appreciated the prime minister for achieving unprecedented socio-economic development during the last 15 years. Bangladesh, India moving ahead rapidly to strengthen cooperation: Indian President They also appreciated the PM Hasina  for her instrumental role in promoting the bilateral relationships between Bangladesh and India to an extraordinary height. The Indian leaders noted that they have a very special relationship with Bangladesh and showed their commitment to further solidify it in the coming days. The entire range of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, defence cooperation, border management, trade and connectivity, sharing of common rivers, power and energy, development cooperation, cultural and people-to-people contact were discussed. Both the leaders agreed to extend cooperation in fulfilling the ‘Vision 2041’ to make a Smart Bangladesh and India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. They also agreed to collaborate in new areas such as digital payment system, space technology, green energy, and blue economy. The two leaders appreciated the recent growing trend in bilateral trade and discussed the possible ways of increasing the volume. Both leaders also noted to enhance economic cooperation for the betterment of the people of two countries. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh thanked the Prime Minister of India for extending development cooperation under Line of Credits (LOCs) and urged Indian side to ensure smooth, timely and cost-effective implementation of LOC projects. India offered to construct an Internal Container Depot (ICD) at Sirajganj, Bangladesh, with Indian financial assistance. Bangladesh-India relations to be stronger: Salman F Rahman Indian side offered training to Bangladesh police officers. The two sides expressed satisfaction on the renewal of the MoU on military education. Both sides acknowledged the importance of leveraging the potential of new and emerging areas of cooperation to augment collaboration in cutting edge areas of digitisation, peaceful use of outer space, technology enabled services in finance, and developing a Joint Small Satellite Project. In a step towards enabling the use of UPI, both sides agreed to introduce RuPay cards in Bangladesh and TakaPay cards in India. Both the leaders noted the need for extensive and substantial regional cooperation through regional organizations like BIMSTEC, SAARC, and IORA. They agreed to work together in reinvigorating BIMSTEC as Bangladesh assumes the Chair after the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. During the exchange of views, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh emphasised on India’s support in resolving the long-standing Rohingya issue so that Myanmar takes back its nationals in a speedy, safe, sustainable and dignified manner. The two leaders witnessed exchanging of a few MoUs between Bangladesh and India. PM Hasina's state visit reflects depth of Bangladesh-India Maitri: Jaishankar  The MOUs were signed/renewed in the fields of maritime cooperation and blue economy, health, ICT, rail connectivity, disaster management, fisheries, and defence cooperation. Both leaders agreed to have a shared vision on ‘Digital Partnership’ and ‘Green Partnership for a Sustainable Future’. PM Hasina thanked Modi and the government of India for the warm and generous hospitality. Hasina extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Bangladesh. Dhaka, Delhi sign 10 instruments for cooperation in rail connectivity, other fields

The ACJ Alumni Association, an association of the alumni of Asian College of Journalism, was inaugurated here on Saturday. At its inaugural meeting held at the M.S. Subbulakshmi Auditorium in the ACJ campus, the following were elected the first set of office bearers: Harsha Subramaniam (President), Vrinda Malik Sharma (Vice President), Renjtih Ramanujam (Secretary), Aditya Balaji (Treasurer) Revati Krishna and Anirudh Madhav (joint secretaries) and Manasa R and Nitin Narain (committee members), Dr. Nalini Rajan, Dean, ACJ and K.N. Arun, senior faculty ACJ, were nominated as ex-officio members of the committee. Sashi Kumar, Chairman, Media Development Foundation and Asian College of Journalism, in his capacity as the Patron of the Association also nominated Aminul Islam of Dhaka, Bangladesh as member of the committee to represent South Asian Foundation (SAF) scholars. The objectives of the ACJ Alumni Association include enabling networking among the alumni for academic and professional advancement, support ACJ in academics, infrastructure and industry partnerships, and, assist ACJ students through grants, scholarship and placement opportunities. Earlier in his introductory remarks, Sashi Kumar said that the formation of the Association could be mutual beneficial to both ACJ and its alumni. Describing the alumni as goodwill ambassadors of ACJ, he recalled how one of the alumni had been instrumental in the launching of the ACJ’s Business and Financial Journalism programme in association with Bloomberg seven years ago.  N. Ram, Director, The Hindu Group of publications, and Trustee of Media Development Foundation (MDF) which administers ACJ, highlighted the important role that the alumni association could play at the time when media and freedom of expression had come under increasing pressure across the globe.  India, in particular, faced multiple challenges with the nation slipping precariously down in the global media freedom index, according to a media release. Inauguration of the association was followed by a lively discussion among the alumni on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. The speakers pointed out that the emergence of any new technology had always had serious impact on the media industry. The response of the media and journalists to emergence of AI had so far been mixed with the optimism on one side being countered by the fear of loss of creativity and human element in journalistic activity. Dr. Nalini Rajan welcomed and Professor K.N. Arun proposed a vote of thanks.