United News of Bangladesh

Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey has recently made his introductory visit to Bhutan and underscored the significance of the entry into force of the BIMSTEC Charter which will provide impetus to expanding and deepening regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.  He highlighted the potential outcomes of the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, and underlined the significance of the work of the BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group. During the visit, the SG met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck with an audience.  The King assured the SG of Bhutan’s continued support to BIMSTEC. His Majesty the King also shared with SG his vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), who assured His Majesty of the support of BIMSTEC.  During the visit, the SG met Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay.  He apprised the Prime Minister of the current state of regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework.  While reiterating Bhutan’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation, the Prime Minister underscored the critical role that BIMSTEC can play in promoting growth and development in the Bay of Bengal region.   The SG also called on Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister (MoFAET) D.N. Dhungyel, and reviewed with him the progress in regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC,  the way forward, and the vital role of Bhutan in the success of the BIMSTEC. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, conveying his warmest greetings on the occasion of the holy festival of Eid-Al-Adha.  In his letter, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the festival reminds all of the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world.  He also described Eid-Al-Adha as an integral part of multicultural heritage.  Prime Minister Modi wished Prime Minister Hasina continued good health and wellbeing. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit New Delhi after Eid vacation, on her first bilateral visit to India after her reelection following January 7 national polls.   

Bangladesh has proposed that Azerbaijan can be a good source of natural gas import for Bangladesh and also proposed to sign an MoU in this regard to which the Azerbaijan side responded positively. The first round of Foreign Office Consultations ( FOC) between Bangladesh and Azerbaijan was held on June 14 at Baku, Azerbaijan. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov led their respective sides at the FOC. All aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including cooperations in trade, investments, educational, cultural, and ICT sectors, were discussed during the meeting. Both sides stressed the importance of exchanging high-level visits and agreed to expedite works on the pending bilateral instruments. The Foreign Secretary requested Azerbaijan to import good quality affordable RMG and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh. He also urged Azerbaijan to import manpower from Bangladesh. Both sides also exchanged views on different regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Rohingya crisis, and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said climate change adaptation is more important to Bangladesh than mitigation, and in this area, Bangladesh and Azerbaijan can work together. He had a courtesy meeting with Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and CEO of COP 29 (Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC) Elnur Sultanov on June 14 and discussed the issues on the climate front. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan said that as the next COP Chair, his country is working to ensure better climate financing for developing countries and to ensure that mechanisms already developed under the previous climate conferences like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Loss and Damage Fund provide better outputs for the developing world.  The Foreign Secretary assured that Bangladesh will work closely with Azerbaijan over these issues. He also proposed to sign an MoU with Azerbaijan for the import of natural gas from the country to which the Azeri Deputy Minister for Energy responded positively.

Bangladesh has  entered into new bilateral air transport agreements with both Switzerland and the European Union, expanding its reach in the global aviation sector.  Bangladesh and Switzerland signed a bilateral air transport agreement on June 4 in this regard, reads a press release. This deal paves the way for direct flights between Bangladesh and Switzerland.  According to the terms of the agreement, designated airlines from both countries can operate seven passenger and seven cargo flights per week. Additionally, the agreement allows these airlines to engage in code-sharing arrangements with their own or third-country carriers. Swiss Air International and Edelweiss Air AG have been selected to provide services from the Swiss side, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, and Novoair have been designated from the Bangladeshi side.  The agreement was signed by Air Vice Marshal Md. Mofidur Rahman, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), and Christian Hegner, Director General of the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation. Just a few days later, on June 7, another  agreement was signed in Belgium's Brussels,  between Bangladesh and the European Union. This bilateral air transport agreement follows an initial agreement signed on September 16, 2009. The newly finalized deal, known as the EU Horizontal Agreement, ensures uniform regulatory compliance for air transport operations with EU member states. Due to Brexit, the United Kingdom has been excluded from this agreement. The agreement was signed by Filip Cornelis, Director of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission, and Air Vice Marshal Md. Mofidur Rahman, on behalf of the EU and Bangladesh, respectively.

 Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Friday said they would take the Bangladesh-India relations to a new height in the next five years as there are new governments in place in the two neighbouring countries with continuity amid new mandate. “There will be a stock-taking on what we left in September 2022 and we will take the relations to a new height in the next five years,” he said, noting that the expectations and aspirations are sky-high. Speaking at a roundtable discussion as the chief guest, Shahriar said people have expectations and these expectations emerged as the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has proved that it can deliver and things can be achieved. The daily Bhorer Kagoj hosted the discussion titled “New Governments in Bangladesh and India: A New Beginning to Further Develop the Relations” at its office. Former foreign secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, former ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Executive Director of Centre for Alternatives (CA) Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, Prof Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of International Relations, President of the Press Club of India Gautam Lahiri, senior Indian journalist Devadeep Purohit, DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib, among others, joined the event moderated by Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta. Talking about the genuine elements in the growing relations including water issue, he said if the water-related problem is not resolved, Bangladesh’s food basket might fall into a risk. “Groundwater or irrigation is not going to help. It is not sustainable environmentally at all.” Shahriar said water is certainly a big and sensitive issue and Bangladesh deserves its fair share. “I am not going to debate why there is no water in the Teesta. Half of the population of my constituency lives on the bank of the Padma, and I now can drive my car in the middle of the Padma for six months of the year.” He said this is the only second document in 53 common rivers between Bangladesh and India which was well-argued, well-negotiated and finalised at the secretary level. “This should not be forgotten,” he said, adding that beginning from another point is that would mean that both countries had failed to respect their primarily agreed document by the two friends. Recalling earlier discussions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during her state visit to India in September 2022, reiterated Bangladesh’s long pending request for concluding the interim agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalised in 2011. Shahriar said predictable supply of the essential food commodities from India (rice, wheat, sugar, onion, ginger and garlic) may also be discussed during the forthcoming visit. He said it is good news for 140 crore people in India and 17 crore people in Bangladesh that there is a renewed mandate and two new governments are in place showing continuity. Referring to Land Boundary Agreement – LBA – and resolving maritime dispute with India, he said the countries would gradually be able to resolve the unresolved issues as complex issues had been resolved. Shahriar said Bangladesh is a energy-hungry country and there are some game-changer initiatives like getting electricity from Nepal through India on a small-scale. “The actual expectation is to invest jointly by Bangladesh and India in a big way in Nepal for hydroelectricity. There has been much progress. They agreed in principle.” “Bangladesh-India relations is now an example in the world,” said former State Minister for Foreign Affairs. He said there was a discussion on a bilateral visit apart from the recent visit of PM Hasina to India to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of her Indian counterpart. “The visit is taking place. We are very happy,” Shahriar said, highlighting achievements made over the last 15 years. He said there was a 33-point joint statement issued during the state visit of prime minister of Bangladesh to India in September 2022 where issues like Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), energy cooperation, people to people contacts, broader connectivity and others were mentioned. Shahriar said the upcoming visit of the prime minister will help advance the relations on those areas. He hoped that the next meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) will be held soon, noting that the 38th meeting of the JRC was held in New Delhi in August, 2022 wherein various matters pertaining to cooperation in water resources sector were discussed. Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) has been functioning since 1972. It was established with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint effort in maximising the benefits from common river systems. The JRC is headed by water resources ministers of both the countries. During the bilateral visit which is likely to take place on June 21-22, the two countries are expected to sign a number of MoUs and agreements and there is an issue of making announcement on some areas of cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "It will be a brief visit (21-22),” Shahriar said, adding that the Awami League will celebrate its 75th founding anniversary on June 23.  

Trade activities with India, Nepal, and Bhutan via the Banglabandha land port will remain suspended for seven days, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Banglabandha Import-Exporter Group in a meeting with the Phulbari Exporters Association of India, the C&F Agent Welfare Association, and the Truck Owners Association, took the decision to keep trading via the land port shut from June 15 to 21. Trade through Sonamasjid land port to remain closed for seven days for Eid-ul-Azha A letter regarding this has already been sent to the Land Customs Station Customs Officers, Banglabandha Land Port Import Exporters, C&F Agents Association, Truck Owners Association Group, Exporters Association, Mechi Customs Clearing Forwarding Agents Association, and Bhutan Exporters Association. However, the movement of travellers through the immigration check post will continue as usual, said Kudrat-e Khuda Milon, general secretary of Banglabandha Import-Exporter Group. Sales still low though crowd gathering at Bagerhat cattle markets The export-import activities among Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan through the Banglabandha land port will resume on June 22, he said.

Foreign affairs experts at a roundtable on Friday expressed their optimism over an added momentum in Bangladesh-India relations in the new tenure under the leadership of two prime ministers, giving a new beginning with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s full-fledged bilateral visit to India after Eid-ul-Azha. They noted that Bangladesh-India relationship is now an example for the entire world and the beauty of this relationship is its continuity addressing issues through discussions. Former foreign secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, former ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Executive Director of Centre for Alternatives (CA) Prof Imtiaz Ahmed, Prof Shahab Enam Khan of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of International Relations, President of the Press Club of India Gautam Lahiri, senior Indian journalist Devadeep Purohit, DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib, among others, joined the event moderated by Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta. “Bangladesh-India relations is now an example in the world,” said former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam while speaking as the chief guest at the discussion titled “New Governments in Bangladesh and India: A New Beginning to Further Develop the Relations” hosted by the daily Bhorer Kagoj at its office. He said there was a discussion on a bilateral visit apart from the recent visit of PM Hasina to India to take part in the oath-taking ceremony of her Indian counterpart. PM Hasina likely to visit New Delhi June 21-22 and China July 9-12 “The visit is taking place. We are very happy,” Shahriar said, highlighting achievements made over the last 15 years. He said there was a 33-point joint statement issued during the state visit of prime minister of Bangladesh to India in September 2022 where issues like Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), energy cooperation, people to people contacts, broader connectivity and others were mentioned. Shahriar said the upcoming visit of the prime minister will help advance the relations on those areas. He hoped that the next meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) will be held soon, noting that the 38th meeting of the JRC was held in New Delhi in August, 2022 wherein various matters pertaining to cooperation in water resources sector were discussed. Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) has been functioning since 1972. It was established with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint effort in maximising the benefits from common river systems. The JRC is headed by water resources ministers of both the countries. During the bilateral visit which is likely to take place on June 21-22, the two countries are expected to sign a number of MoUs and agreements and there is an issue of making announcement on some areas of cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his opening remarks, moderator Shyamal Dutta said the two countries have new elected leaderships and there is willingness from the both sides to make relations deeper as the relations as seen to be passing through a golden chapter. Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury highlighted the importance of the relations and hoped to see some progresses in terms of water sharing of common rivers during the new tenure of the Indian government. India will always work closely with its valued partners in pursuit of human progress: PM Modi He also talked about the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. “We hope to get our fair share.” Earlier, in 2022, the two leaders welcomed the formation of a Joint Technical Committee to conduct a study for optimum utilisation of water received by Bangladesh under the provisions of Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. Shamsher said it has been proved that Bangladesh is the most trusted neighbour of India. “If we can share blood in 1971, I believe we can share water, too.” Prof Imtiaz said both Bangladesh and India are benefiting from the decolonisation and the two countries need to bring in new dimensions in the growing relations. “I think we need to bring something new in our relations. We have long been talking about Teesta water sharing and border killing issues,” he said. Prof Imtiaz laid emphasis on enhancing people to people relations, noting that there is a need for growing South Asian minds. PM's planned separate bilateral visit to India likely to see signing of deals, MoUs: FS He talked about the project - Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project – an idea came from Bangladesh where China has shown interest. Prof Imtiaz also referred to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud’s remarks regarding India’s interest in the same project. “I think it is possible to transform the geopolitics of conflict to geopolitics of cooperation. Because, India has good relations with China in many areas including in trade,” he added. Munshi Faiz said it is an opportunity for India to take the leadership by taking all onboard as it has a desire to take leadership role in regional and global level. He said there might not be water adequately in Teesta but it is important to share whatever available to use. “We need to find solutions where problem lies.” Regarding Teesta project, the former ambassador said it was not China’s own proposal but they showed interest at the request of Bangladesh. Prof Shahab, who is also executive director and CEO at Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, said Bangladesh is receiving huge Line of Credits (LoCs) from India but its execution is slow. “Huge LoC is coming which is very impressive. Money is there. Political commitment is there. But in terms of execution, I think two countries need to be more pragmatic,” he added. The expert said Chinese delivery of projects is very fast, even the US is also very fast. “The US remains the largest investor till now and China remains the largest trading partner of Bangladesh.” Gautam Lahiri said the two countries resolved the land boundary issue after many years and he hoped that there will be a solution regarding Teesta at some point. Global Fund wants PM Hasina to join coalition of world leaders There is a need for expediting the discussion regarding CEPA, he sasid, adding that “We should not waste time. We need to move fast.” Gautam said efforts are needed for water management and there can be dredging efforts in Teesta jointly to avoid flooding. He said India believes that Bangladesh will not do anything that may harm India’s interest and Bangladesh needs India’s cooperation to fulfill its goal of becoming a Smart Bangladesh. Gautam hoped that the upcoming visit of PM Hasina will be a milestone in Bnagladesh-India relations. Describing Bangladesh as an important force under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh BHasina, journalist Devadeep Purohit said the elephant in the room is Teesta. He said it is very important to save the river as there is no adequate water in it. “We need strong pragmatism to take the relations to the next level and there is genuine love and affection for Bangladesh.”

The recently concluded Bonn Climate Conference has drawn sharp criticism from YouthNet for Climate Justice, a prominent youth-led organisation, over its outcomes. The group expressed profound disappointment, highlighting significant setbacks in key areas crucial for global climate action. Despite high hopes and urgent calls for stronger commitments, the conference failed to deliver meaningful progress on critical issues such as emissions reduction targets, climate finance, and support for vulnerable communities. Sohanur Rahman, executive coordinator of YouthNet for Climate Justice and an attendee at the Bonn conference, lamented the lack of substantive progress. "The failure to achieve decisive actions on crucial issues such as the Mitigation Work Program and the Global Goal on Adaptation is deeply concerning," Sohanur stated. "This conference represented a pivotal moment to advance meaningful climate policies, yet it resulted in a disappointing display of indecision and insufficient commitments." The conference, which served as a precursor to COP29 in Baku, was anticipated to drive substantial progress in mitigating climate impacts and enhancing adaptation efforts worldwide. However, the inability to reach consensus on critical mitigation measures has raised serious concerns about the safety and livelihoods of vulnerable communities globally Brazil: UN regional group has endorsed Amazon city to host 2025 climate conference Sohanur emphasised the urgency of addressing these issues amidst ongoing climate crises, including cyclone Remal and floods in Bangladesh, which underscored the immediate need for robust climate action. "Amidst unprecedented climate challenges, Bonn was a critical opportunity to address both mitigation and adaptation," he said. "However, the outcomes fell short of what is needed to protect vulnerable communities worldwide." During the conference's proceedings, discontent was palpable among various nations and groups. Bolivia and Saudi Arabia voiced dissatisfaction with what they termed a "watered-down outcome" in the Global Goal on Adaptation, highlighting concerns over negotiating flexibility disparities. Similarly, Samoa, speaking on behalf of AOSIS, expressed extreme disappointment over the lack of progress on mitigation, emphasizing the urgent need for substantive action. Representatives from Bangladesh, Malawi (on behalf of the Least Developed Countries), Honduras (on behalf of AILAC), Bolivia, the European Union, Japan, and Brazil collectively expressed disappointment over the lack of outcomes in the Mitigation Work Program. The sentiment echoed that this was a missed opportunity for meaningful progress in combating climate change. Bangladesh shows interest in hosting proposed Commonwealth Climate Conference  In response, YouthNet for Climate Justice vowed for wealthy nations to fulfill their commitments with substantial financial support for climate adaptation in developing countries. Rahman urged, "Wealthy countries must step up and honor their responsibility to support vulnerable nations in climate adaptation efforts." Looking ahead to COP29 in Baku, YouthNet for Climate Justice emphasized the need for a transformative approach to climate negotiations, stressing the importance of bold and equitable climate actions. "Decisive leadership and concrete steps are essential for a sustainable future," Sohanur emphasised. "We cannot afford further delays or diluted commitments." Sunak won’t go to UN climate conference: UK As preparations for COP29 continue, global attention remains focused on addressing urgent climate challenges and delivering comprehensive policies that safeguard the planet and its inhabitants.

Zokey Ahad, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Mauritius, presented his credentials to President Prithvirajsing Roopun G.C.S.K. in a ceremony at the State House.  President Roopun welcomed Ahad, congratulated him, and expressed good wishes to the President of Bangladesh. He highlighted the value Mauritius places on its relations with Bangladesh and encouraged Bangladesh to use Mauritius as a gateway to Africa, leveraging trade facilities offered by COMESA, SADC, and EAC.  Bangladesh envoy Mosharraf joins 25th anniversary of Liberation Day of Kosovo President Roopun appreciated the contributions of Bangladeshi workers in Mauritius, especially in the textile sector, and emphasised the importance of signing pending MoUs/Agreements between the two countries. He fondly recalled his visit to Bangladesh in May 2023. In response, High Commissioner Ahad conveyed the warm greetings of the President of Bangladesh and expressed gratitude for the cordial cooperation from the Government of Mauritius.  He assured efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s initiatives to improve the quality of life in Bangladesh, as envisioned by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ahad mentioned Bangladesh’s recent achievements under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership on the international stage and appreciated Mauritius for employing Bangladeshi workers. Both officials expressed hope for exploring new avenues of cooperation for mutual benefit. Russia will remain a reliable partner to Bangladesh, other allies despite “artificial obstacles”: Ambassador Ahad extended an invitation from the President of Bangladesh to President Roopun to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Senior officers from the State House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, along with Zakaria Bin Amjad, Md. Jahangir Alam, and Md. Asaduzzaman from the Bangladesh Mission, attended the ceremony. High Commissioner Ahad joined the Bangladesh Mission in Port Louis on 9 June 2024. A career diplomat from the 17th batch of the BCS (Foreign Affairs) Cadre, Ahad has served in various capacities in Bangladesh Missions in Beijing, The Hague, Manchester, Kolkata, and Kunming since joining the service in 1998.