United News of Bangladesh

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has made a phone call to Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and said a UN-led investigation will be launched very soon to probe the killing of the protesters during the “Student Revolution”. During the telephone conversation on Wednesday, he said a team of UN experts would soon visit the country to set up an investigation. The Chief Adviser thanked him and his longtime friend Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, for supporting the Bangladesh students’ revolution and championing their rights during unprecedented and devastating killings of student protestors, according to the press wing of the Chief Aviser. The 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate said human rights will be the cornerstone of his administration and the protection of every citizen is the top most priority of the government. Professor Yunus has sought UN cooperation for rebuilding the country and to uphold human rights.  

The interim government has conveyed to India that the statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina originating from India are “not conducive” to fostering better bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. The issue was raised when High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. “About former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent statements, he (adviser) mentioned that such statements emanating from India are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The adviser also mentioned the “highly exaggerated” media campaign in India about what’s happening in Bangladesh. He mentioned that the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order and bring the economy on track. The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to fulfill the aspirations of the people, especially the youth, said the adviser. The government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, he said. The adviser thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the Chief Adviser. The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Chief Adviser and expressed the keenness of the government of India to work with the interim government in the coming days to fulfill the shared aspirations of the people from both countries. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs affirmed the interim government’s commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh including the minorities. Sheikh Hasina, in her latest statement, shared through her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, said that since last July, the “acts of sabotage, arson, and violence in the name of movements” have resulted in many innocent citizens of the country losing their lives. “Students, teachers, police officers—including pregnant women—journalists, cultural activists, workers, leaders, activists of the Awami League (and its affiliated organizations), pedestrians, and others who were working in various establishments have fallen victim to ‘terrorist aggression’ and lost their lives. I express my heartfelt sorrow and pray for the peace of their souls,” she said. “People like me, who continue to live with the pain of losing their loved ones, I offer my deepest sympathy. I demand a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these heinous killings and acts of sabotage,” she added. Hasina urged all to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 with due respect and solemnity. “Please offer floral tributes and prayers at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and pray for the peace of the departed souls.”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday highlighted the importance of the historic relations between Bangladesh and China and said that the interim government is keen to work closely with China.  The two sides had “in-depth exchanges of views” on current situations of Bangladesh and developing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership of China and Bangladesh. The adviser said Bangladesh’s relations with China are always friendly and it will remain unhurt no matter which government is in power.   He said the people of Bangladesh see relations with China positively. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met the adviser and congratulated him for assumption of this charge and reiterated China’s commitment of good neighborliness and friendship with all people of Bangladesh.  By reiterating China’s position, he stated that the friendship between China and Bangladesh runs long and deep.  China values its relations with Bangladesh, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas and further advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he said.  The Foreign Adviser referred to the spirit of the recent students-led mass upsurge in Bangladesh to establish democracy and rule of law.  The government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and create an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, he said.  Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of common interest, including the Rohingya issue.  China reiterated its position to continue dialogue through trilateral agreements towards the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar which is the ultimate solution to the crisis. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said China noted that Bangladesh has formed an interim government and welcomed it. “China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. We respect Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people,” said the Spokesperson. China said they stand firmly by their policy of good neighborliness and friendship with all people of Bangladesh. “The friendship between China and Bangladesh runs long and deep. China values its relations with Bangladesh, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas and further advance our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” said the Spokesperson.

The French Embassy in Dhaka has trashed the social media claim that former state minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad A Arafat is hiding in the French Embassy, terming it a complete lie. BFIU asks banks to freeze accounts of former ministers Saifuzzaman and Arafataa “The rumor propagated on social media that ex minister Arafat is hiding in the French Embassy is a complete lie,” said the embassy in a statement on Wednesday through X, formerly known as Twitter. Legal action will only affect miscreants, not innocent students: Arafat

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that his country stands ready to support the interim government in rebuilding and restoring peace and security in the country. No reason to get affected ties with India: Foreign Affairs Adviser “Prof Yunus has long-standing good ties with Malaysia. Thus, I assured him that Malaysia stands ready to help and support the interim Government in rebuilding and restoring peace and security in Bangladesh,” said the Malaysian Prime Minister. On Tuesday, he made a phone call to his “old friend” Prof Muhammad Yunus, to congratulate him personally on his recent appointment as the Chief Adviser for the Interim government of Bangladesh. Foreign Affairs adviser to brief diplomats today “I am very pleased that Prof Yunus has given his assurances to protect the rights of all Bangladeshis including minorities,” he said. Prof Yunus also has invited the Malaysian Prime Minister to undertake a short visit to Bangladesh as soon as possible to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries, according to Malaysian Prime Minister’s verified Facebook page. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took the oath of office as head of Bangladesh’s interim government Thursday after protests forced out former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this week. People are very important; they need to feel India is very close friend of Bangladesh: Foreign Affairs Adviser The key tasks for Yunus now are restoring peace in Bangladesh and preparing for new elections following the ouster of Hasina, who fled to India after weeks of student protests over job quotas grew into an uprising against her increasingly autocratic 15-year rule.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has stressed on some key issues with India like stopping “border killing, conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, and ensuring supply of essential commodities.” High Commissioner of India in Dhaka Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim Government of Bangladesh at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and discussed the issue. The Adviser said Bangladesh wants to work closely with India for promoting bilateral relations and stressed on more ‘people centric engagement’ in the upcoming days. The interim government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an atmosphere to hold free, fair and participatory elections, said the Adviser. Bangladeshi killed by BSF gunfire near Chapainawabganj border He thanked the government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his good wishes extended to the Chief Adviser on his assumption of his new responsibilities. The Foreign Affairs Adviser also mentioned a 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 are not conducive to fostering better bilateral relations. The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser for Foreign Affairs on his new responsibilities. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to the Chief Adviser and expressed the keen willingness of the Government of India to work with the interim government in the coming days to fulfill the shared aspirations of peoples from both countries. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs affirmed the Interim government’s commitment to ensure peaceful coexistence of different communities in Bangladesh including the minorities. He mentioned that the government is pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them. He added that all religious groups and other political parties are also working to ensure safety and security of the minorities. 35-year-old man injured in BSF firing at Feni border During the meeting, the Adviser for Foreign Affairs briefed the High Commissioner about the current situation in Bangladesh. He mentioned that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students. The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest for ending discriminations and inequities. The fearless student movement against a discriminatory public service recruitment system soon morphed into a nation-wide revolutionary struggle to establish a rules-based, just, fair and inclusive society. Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus agreed to take the helm of the interim government at the request of the students and people. The Adviser for Foreign Affairs mentioned that the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order situation and bring the economy on track. India’s BSF returns body of Bangladeshi man killed in its firing The government is working on meaningful reforms and a lasting transformation to fulfill the aspiration of the people, especially the youth.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom on Wednesday discussed how the UK can support the interim government’s work towards a democratic and prosperous future and other issues of mutual interest including Rohingya. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met with Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain at his office and reiterated her government’s support for the interim government led by its Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “The interim government has the UK’s support as it works to restore peace and order in Bangladesh, ensure accountability and chart the pathway to an inclusive, prosperous and democratic future,” she said on Wednesday. The Adviser and High Commissioner discussed the strong and enduring relationship between Bangladesh and the UK, cemented by their deep people-to-people ties and shared Commonwealth values. British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said as a longstanding partner and friend of Bangladesh, the UK welcomes the appointment of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. “We have been deeply saddened by the violence and all loss of life in recent weeks. We recognise the bravery of the students and many others who through peaceful protest called for a different future for Bangladesh,” she said. The High Commissioner said the interim government has the UK’s support as it works to restore peace and order, ensure accountability and chart a peaceful pathway to an inclusive, prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh. Earlier, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said, "The UK welcomes the appointment of the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The interim government has the UK’s support as it works to restore peace and order, for the sake of the Bangladeshi people." The people of Bangladesh deserve accountability and a peaceful pathway to an inclusive democratic future, said the British Foreign Secretary.

The US Embassy in Dhaka says it is currently closed to routine consular services until further notice. US Embassy in Dhaka remains operational, voluntary departure of nonemergency personnel authorized: State Dept “If you have an upcoming visa appointment, please wait for further instructions on the consular section’s reopening to routine services,” said the Embassy in a message shared from its verified Facebook page. US Embassy in Dhaka to remain closed today The Embassy encouraged applicants saying, "You may apply for expedited appointments." An expedited appointment, however, does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. US Embassy Dhaka awards $18K grants to young journalists All applicants are unique and the consular officers adjudicate cases in accordance with the US immigration law, said the Embassy.

The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC-JFP) in Dhaka has resumed limited operations. Applicants will receive individual messages regarding the collection of their passports. They are requested to arrive at the IVAC only after receiving an SMS with instructions. Due to the limited operations, the processing time may be extended. Read more: Former PM Hasina now in India, her US visa status unclear

In a formal appeal to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, leading Indian press organisations have highlighted a disturbing surge in violence targeting journalists across Dhaka, Chattogram, and other regions. Reports indicated that some journalists have been killed and many others have been forced into hiding. The attacks are reportedly perpetrated not only by anti-social elements but also by certain officials. A coalition of leading press organisations, including the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCCSA), the Press Club of India (PCI), the Indian Women's Press Club (IWPC), the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA, India), the Press Association, and the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents (IAFAC), has highlighted these concern regarding recent violent attacks on journalists and media outlets in Bangladesh in a press release on Monday. The coalition, representing a broad spectrum of media and journalistic bodies, emphasizes the critical role of a free press in fostering an informed society and supporting democratic processes. As Nobel Peace laureate, Dr. Yunus is known for his advocacy for social justice and human rights, and the organisations trust he shares their concern for the safety of journalists. The appeal underscores the need for the Bangladesh government to take immediate and effective measures to protect journalists and media workers. It calls for impartial and thorough investigations into the violence and urges that perpetrators be held accountable. Additionally, the coalition requests that political leaders, public officials, and government authorities refrain from actions or rhetoric that undermines the credibility and safety of the media, it said. This urgent call to action aims to ensure that journalists in Bangladesh can continue their crucial work without fear of violence or intimidation, thereby upholding the principles of a free, independent, and plural media, the release added.