United News of Bangladesh

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said 140 crore Indians are worried about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, who have faced attacks during the recent political unrest in the country following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "140 crore Indians are worried about the safety of the Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh," PM Modi said while delivering his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech at Delhi's Red Fort. He said India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh's progress and hoped the situation will normalise in Bangladesh soon. “Indians want the security of Hindus, and minorities there to be ensured," NDTV quoted him as saying. During a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Adviser mentioned about “highly exaggerated” media campaign about happenings in Bangladesh. About former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he mentioned that such statements emanating from India is “not conducive” to fostering better bilateral relations. Earlier on August 8, Modi conveyed his best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. "We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities," Modi said. He said India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development.

As part of ongoing changes, Bangladesh Ambassadors from the United States (US), Russia, Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Maldives have been asked to return home leaving their current responsibilities with the respective missions abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued separate transfer orders in this regard, noting that, "decision has been taken to transfer you to Dhaka.” The government will soon send new ambassadors to those countries and more changes are likely. Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan joined the Bangladesh Embassy in Moscow on January 5, 2020 Mohammad Imran has been serving as Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States of America since September, 2022. Shahabuddin Ahmed is serving as Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan while Mohammed Abu Zafar is the Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan joined the Embassy of Bangladesh in Berlin on October2,  2020, as Ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany with concurrent accreditation to the Czech Republic, Kosovo and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary has been serving as the ambassador of Bangladesh to the KSA since August 2020. Rear Admiral S M Abul Kalam Azad is serving as Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and said he is confident that under Prof Yunus’ leadership, Bangladesh will return to a path of peace and prosperity, where all communities co-exist harmoniously. The Prime Minister said he looks forward to working with Prof Yunus to further strengthen the close ties between the two countries. He has written to congratulate Professor Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as the Chief Adviser to the government of Bangladesh, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore  “I would like to congratulate you and extend my best wishes on your appointment as the Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” the letter reads. In this period of transition, he said Prof Yunus-led interim government has resolutely undertaken the crucial task of restoring stability. “I wish you and the government every success.” The Prime Minister said Singapore and Bangladesh enjoy a warm and longstanding friendship. “Our multifaceted cooperation spans a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, labour, renewable energy, infrastructure, and port management.”

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori on Thursday reiterated the position of Japan and said Bangladesh will keep advancing on a path towards stable development through a peaceful and democratic political transition. He said Japan will continue its support for Bangladesh's development and prosperity, standing side by side with the transition process to be led by Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus of the interim government. During his meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the Ambassador mentioned the relations under "Strategic Partnership" enshrined between the two countries. The Foreign Affairs Adviser said people in Bangladesh in general have a positive feeling about Japan. “The relationship with Japan is excellent.” He also sought Japan’s support for the sustainable and safe return of the Rohingays to their place of origin. The Adviser said Bangladesh has done enough regarding the Rohingyas and is not in a position to take anyone more. Ambassador Iwama said Japan will keep up with the existing projects related to the Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh. He reiterated that Japan will extend all possible cooperation to Bangladesh towards repatriation of the Rohingyas to their home in Myanmar. The Adviser expressed satisfaction about the proposal and said Japan’s assistance will help Bangladesh to materialize the vision of this mass revolution. He assured that the interim government is committed to bring rule of law, show zero tolerance to corruption and take every step to make doing business easier. The adviser paid emphasis on the sectors of investment, trade, commerce, education, human resources development, language learning etc. where Japan can increase engagements. Ambassador Iwama congratulated the Adviser to shoulder the important tasks of various reforms expected to be implemented in Bangladesh under the new interim government which came into power through a successful students’ led mass upsurge in Bangladesh. He paid homage to the people who had sacrificed their lives for this movement. The Foreign Adviser stated that the people of all walks in Bangladesh wanted to end the tyranny and henceforth this interim government had to take the charge to bring a qualitative change in the governance. Japan is not only a ‘strategic partner’ but also very close to the hearts and minds of the people in Bangladesh, he said. The interim government will eventually transfer power to an elected government. Ambassador Iwama explained about the multi-dimensional collaboration between Japan and Bangladesh that has been carried out since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He said the interim government can put forward any concrete proposal where Japan can help Bangladesh.

Interim government Chief Adviser Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to brief diplomats stationed in Dhaka on August 18, said a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The briefing will be held at a hotel at 10 am on Sunday, he said. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam will brief the media after the diplomatic briefing. Assuring safety and security of diplomats, the interim government sought the international community’s support as they embark on charting a new future for Bangladesh. “We believe that all our friends and partners in the international community would continue to stand by the interim government and our people as we embark on charting a new future for Bangladesh,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told diplomats stationed in Dhaka during a briefing at state guesthouse Padma on August 12. He said they can assure that the safety and security of the diplomatic and consular premises and persons will remain one of their core priorities. “We also remain sensitized to the need to ensure protection of all foreign citizens residing in our territory,” Hossain said. He said the government has taken quick and decisive measures to restore law and order and bring back normalcy.

The United Nations is sending a fact-finding team next week to probe atrocities committed during the student revolution in July and early this month, said Chief Adviser's press wing on Thursday. UN human rights chief Volker Turk announced the move when he called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus late Wednesday. This will be the first time the UN is sending a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971 to investigate widespread human rights abuses in the country, according to a UN official. Meanwhile, the UN rights chief assured Prof Yunus of UN Human Rights Office's solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and their support to the interim government at this pivotal time. "An inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure this transition succeeds," he said. On the other hand, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his office on Thursday. She said they will have some technical colleagues who will be arriving in Dhaka next week. "They will do initial fact-finding but the mandate, details and how the team will work with the government - all need to be agreed," the UNRC told reporters after the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UN Resident Coordinator reaffirmed UN’s support towards the interim government in Bangladesh. The Adviser emphasized for the UN Country Team to carry on with their work in the diverse areas of mutual interest. He underscored the importance of the UN’s constructive support in establishing good governance and rule of law. Lewis shared perspectives on further support for independent investigation, transitional justice and human rights protection. They also discussed economic cooperation, LDC graduation, climate change, and the ongoing UN humanitarian operations concerning Bangladesh. The Adviser sought UN’s meaningful support in meeting aspirations of the people, especially youth, and their expectations of the interim Government. The UN Security Council, at times, deals with grave human rights violations, often in conflict areas. The UN Charter gives the Security Council the authority to investigate and mediate, dispatch a mission, appoint special envoys, or request the Secretary-General to use his good offices.

The United States has said they are in touch with their Indian partners as well as other countries in the region to discuss recent events in Bangladesh. “On the topic of Bangladesh, we have been in touch with our Indian partners as well as other countries in the region to discuss recent events,” said Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel He said they continue to push for an end to violence in Bangladesh as well as continue to push for accountability and the respect for rule of law. “I’m not going to get into private diplomatic discussions,” Patel said during a regular briefing in Washington on August 14. Responding to a question, he said they engage with partners in Congress regularly. “I’m not going to get into specific letters or engagements.” But he said they welcomed interim government chief adviser Dr Yunus’s call for calm and an end to the recent violence – of the new – and as well as they welcome the new government’s focus on restoring security and the protection of members of minority communities as well. Meanwhile, US Chargé d'affaires Helen LaFave met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday at his office, where she affirmed the US government’s willingness to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh. Underlining the priorities of the current government, the Adviser emphasized that the government would hold elections to transfer power to the elected representatives as soon as the reforms that the students and the people of Bangladesh envisaged are complete. Important bilateral matters were also discussed during the meeting, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said his country looks forward to the continuation of productive interaction with the foreign office of Bangladesh for further strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas. In a message addressed to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the Russian Foreign Minister said, he was glad to learn about Hossain’s appointment to the post of the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. “The Russia-Bangladesh relations are based on the solid foundation of friendship, traditionally binding the peoples of our countries,” said Russian Minister Lavrov. He wished Hossain sound health and success at his responsible post. On the other hand, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Affairs Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Recalling the support of the Russian Federation during our Liberation War, the Foreign Affairs Adviser assured that Bangladesh would continue its cooperation with the Russian Federation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in establishing Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project, active collaboration in gas fields, trade among others. At the outset of the meeting, the Ambassador congratulated Hossain on his assumption of office as the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh, and expressed hope that Bangladesh-Russia bilateral cooperation will further enhance during his tenure. He also handed over a congratulatory message from Sergey Lavrov addressed to the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh.

Amid a conflict between the Myanmar military and the armed rebel group in Myanmar’s Rakhine, 13 more members of the country's Border Guard Police (BGP) took shelter in Bangladesh on Wednesday morning. So far, a total of 123 BGP members have taken refuge in Bangladesh, said Teknaf-2 BGB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed. Col Mohiuddin said the BGP members infiltrated through the Sabrang border on Wednesday morning due to internal conflict in Myanmar. Later, they surrendered to the BGB with a pistol and 25 rounds of ammunition. The process of repatriation has started and they will be sent back soon, he added.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said no one in the interim government has any political ambition or wants benefits out of this. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus took up the responsibility upon request which is known to all. Quoting Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, he said they will not stay even for an additional day after fulfilling their primary goal of reforms in line with the demands of the students. Earlier, a number of diplomats including High Commissioners of India, United Kingdom, Ambassadors of China and Saudi Arabia, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy and acting Ambassador of the European Union met the Foreign Affairs Adviser at his office. At the meetings, the adviser broadly explained why the interim government is in place and the roadmap they have ahead. He said reforms are needed in state structure, addressing the anarchy in the banking sector as money was looted from banks by some people, and efforts are needed to combat corruption and end impunity.