United News of Bangladesh

The newly appointed non-resident Ambassador of Belarus to Bangladesh, Mikhail Kasko, on Thursday met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest. At the outset, Ambassador Mikhail Kasko conveyed the greetings of the Foreign Minister of Belarus and expressed his determination to work for further enhancing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Belarus. The adviser welcomed the ambassador and expressed satisfaction at the current state of Bangladesh-Belarus bilateral cooperation. During the courtesy call on, discussions focused on strengthening Bangladesh-Belarus bilateral relations, particularly in trade, food security, and supply of fertilisers under the umbrella Bangladesh-Belarus Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Earlier, the newly-appointed non-resident Ambassador of Belarus to Bangladesh presented his credentials to the President of Bangladesh.

The newly appointed non-resident Ambassador of Estonia to Bangladesh, Marje LUUP, on Thursday met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and briefed the Adviser about Estonia’s key achievements in the ICT sector, particularly in e-governance and cyber security. During the courtesy meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador expressed Estonia’s interest in collaborating with Bangladesh in the ICT sector. Both sides also discussed possibilities of arranging student exchange programmes in the information technology sector. The Foreign Adviser congratulated Marje LUUP for her appointment as the Ambassador of Estonia to Bangladesh and apprised her of the vision and ongoing reform initiatives taken by the interim government of Bangladesh. Both the adviser and the ambassador exchanged views on Bangladesh-Estonia bilateral relations and expressed willingness to further deepen the existing bilateral cooperation.

Praising Bangladesh for its progress in disaster preparedness, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Thursday highlighted the importance of building resilient communities by addressing floods through a "holistic, ecosystem-based" approach.  Mustapha EL Hamzaoui, Director, and Zakaria Shahnaz, Project Management Specialist of the Humanitarian Assistance Office, USAID, joined a press briefing at the American Centre in Dhaka's Baridhara, focusing on disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts in Bangladesh. The event highlighted USAID’s ongoing support for Bangladesh in crisis management, humanitarian aid, and building community resilience against natural disasters. Briefing the journalists, Hamzaoui praised Bangladesh for its progress in disaster preparedness, especially in managing cyclones, flash floods, and tidal surges.  He emphasised the importance of early warning systems, volunteer networks, and multi-purpose cyclone shelters, which have been key in reducing casualties and helping communities recover faster. Regarding the concerns about flash floods in Bangladesh, which many consider partly human-made due to water management issues with neighbouring countries as communities are often unaware when upstream water is released, leading to sudden flooding, the journalists at the briefing asked if USAID can suggest any diplomatic effort to improve cooperation and create policies to better handle these situations. In response, Mustapha EL Hamzaoui emphasises the importance of building resilient communities by addressing floods through a holistic, ecosystem-based approach.  He mentions the need for careful land-use planning in high-risk areas and discusses the ongoing efforts to support embankment construction and other measures to mitigate disaster impacts. Zakaria Shahnaz, Project Management Specialist, stressed the need for further development of early warning systems and sustainable solutions to empower flood-prone regions, such as Kurigram and Rangpur.  She noted USAID’s ongoing efforts to raise houses and community platforms in flood-prone areas to minimise damage and support long-term recovery. Both officials reaffirmed USAID's commitment to continue working closely with the Bangladesh government, particularly in enhancing early warning systems and diversifying livelihood opportunities for disaster-affected communities.

Bangladesh and Uganda on Thursday underscored the need to have agreements on avoidance of double taxation and investment protection to boost bilateral trade and commerce. Non-Resident High Commissioner of Uganda to Bangladesh Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda paid a courtesy call on Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issue. The Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s thriving pharmaceutical industry as a potential source of high-quality, affordable products for Uganda. They also emphasized on exchange of visits by trade delegation of both the countries. During the meeting, the High Commissioner congratulated the Adviser on his new assignment and reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. They stressed on the importance of regular holding of Foreign Office Consultation (FOC), signing Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Official Passport holders, and exploring cooperation in agriculture, particularly through contract farming. The High Commissioner also highlighted the importance of knowledge and technology sharing, as well as fostering people-to-people contacts.

Amid various conflicting reports on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s status and location, the government of India on Thursday clarified that she arrived in India on short notice, while indicating that her stay there is likely to continue for the time being. "We have seen some reports…I don't have any comments to offer. I had earlier mentioned she had come here (India) at a very short notice for safety reasons. She continues to be,” said Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar clearly stated in a statement in the Indian Parliament that the approval for former Prime Minister Hasina to arrive in India was given at a short notice. In Dhaka, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said they will take necessary steps and try to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back home as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued an arrest warrant against her and top Awami League leaders. "We just have come to know this. We will try and take necessary preparations," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The adviser said they have one month's time in hand. "I don't want to say anything further," he said when asked for further details. The International Crimes Tribunal directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, before it after arresting them by November 18. During his recent visit to New York, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event." Referring to Hasina, Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul recently said Bangladesh will definitely seek extradition of any convicted person under the extradition treaty with India once trials begin. “We have an extradition treaty with India. As per the extradition treaty, if any convicted person stays in India, we can seek his or her extradition. We will soon let you know through the Law Ministry,” he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing in Dhaka. Asked when India would resume normal visa operations in Bangladesh, Jaiswal on Thursday said they are already issuing medical visas and visas for emergency requirements. “Once the law and order situation (in Bangladesh) improves and the situation becomes conducive to our resumption of normal visa operations, we will do that,” he said. The Spokesperson also said India in the past issued statements on attacks on minorities and Hindus in Bangladesh and violence on Puja mandaps.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM), which will take place in Apia, Samoa from October 21-26. While briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will not attend the meeting. Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser The Chief Adviser will, however, attend the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. But the Summit date is yet to be announced.   The CHOGM will be the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State. Building on progress since CHOGM 2022, leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental and security challenges and discuss how Commonwealth countries can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a more peaceful and sustainable future. Govt to bring back willing  expats in Lebanon first: Foreign Adviser  Leaders of Commonwealth countries meet every two years for the CHOGM, hosted by different member countries on a rotating basis. Since 1971, a total of 25 meetings have been held, with the most recent one being in Rwanda in 2022. Commonwealth Leaders meeting at CHOGM to shape Commonwealth policies and priorities on shared goals like development, democracy and peace, trade and economy, climate change and environment. The Commonwealth’s values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.

Foreign Affairs Md Touhid Hossain saidcon Thursday the government would bring back documented Bangladeshis first from Lebanon who want to return voluntarily.  Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain said there are some Bangladeshis who are not willing to return despite knowing the danger as they are thinking of income sources once they return.  He also said there are some Bangladeshis who are not willing to return as they are working in safe areas.  The Adviser said the government is exploring both air and sea routes to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshis in phases, who got stuck in troubled Lebanon. The Adviser said they are seeking cooperation from the International Organisation of Migration (IOM) in this regard. Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser There are 70,000 to 1 lakh Bangladeshis in Lebanon and around 1800 got enrolled to return to Bangladesh.  Each batch of the returnees may consist of at least 50 Bangladeshis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment are working together for the return of Bangladeshis trapped in war-torn Lebanon. The government is working closely with all concerned to bring back all the Bangladeshis who wish to return from Lebanon safely, said the foreign ministry. Earlier, an inter-ministerial meeting was held with the participation of Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Expatriates’ Welfare Secretary Md Ruhul Amin and Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman. Bangladesh's mission heads assigned to the Middle East joined the meeting on the Zoom platform. Steps taken to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshis from war-hit Lebanon, said the ministry. Italy suspends validity of work permit for Bangladeshis, other nationals The Foreign Secretary has issued necessary instructions to the Bangladeshi Ambassador  in Lebanon to take necessary measures for the safe return of the stranded Bangladeshis. He also gave instructions to ensure the safety of all the expatriate Bangladeshis staying there who do not wish to return to the country. A notification was issued to enroll Bangladeshis who wish to return from the embassy and initially about a thousand migrant workers are said to be willing to return home.

Due to the high number of false and counterfeit documents, the Italian Government has suspended the validity of all “Nulla Osta” (work authorizations) issued in favour of citizens of some countries, including Bangladesh, until due verification is completed, said the Italian Embassy in Dhaka. According to Law Decree 11 October 2024, the Embassy will issue the work visa only after receiving confirmation from the provincial immigration office in Italy (”Sportello Unico”`- SUI) that the verification of the suspended Nulla Osta is completed. Pending the verification mentioned above, applicants will have their passports returned, said the Embassy of Italy informing Italian work visa applicants and appointment seekers. US says no excuse for violence in Bangladesh, those responsible should be held accountable The return operation will take place progressively starting from Sunday, October 20 Each applicant will be contacted by the Embassy through VFS Global with an SMS or e-mail informing that the passport is ready to be collected. As soon as the confirmation of Nulla Osta is received by the Embassy, they will be contacted again to bring their passport back to VFS Global and get the visa. Work visa appointment seekers whose Nulla Osta receives confirmation will be contacted by VFS Global in order to submit their application. Therefore, appointments (including those already scheduled) are not necessary anymore and will not be given in the current phase. Dhaka voices “deep concern” over recent influx of 40,000 Rohingyas The e-mail [email protected] remains active. Freshly issued work Nulla Osta holders have been requested to write to this address to provide their contacts. Applicants, employers and lawyers are invited to avoid sending e-mails to the Embassy or VFS Global regarding the verification of their work Nulla Osta, as the relative process is made in Italy. Nulla Osta holders might want to contact their prospective employers in Italy for updates on the verification status of their Nulla Osta. Dhaka seeks enhanced trade, economic cooperation with Ghana Work Nulla Osta will not expire pending confirmation by the provincial immigration office in Italy “Sportello Unico“ – SUI). The processing of other types of visas (such as family, study, business and tourism) remains unchanged.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said they will take necessary steps and try to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back home as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued arrest warrant against her and top Awami League leaders. "We just have come to know this. We will try and take necessary preparations," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Warrant issued for arrest of Hasina, 45 others The adviser said they have one month time in hand. "I don't want to say anything further," he said when asked for further details. The International Crimes Tribunal also directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, before it after arresting them by November 18.  

The United States has said there is no excuse for violence and anyone responsible for violence should be held accountable in Bangladesh. "We have made clear that there’s no excuse for violence, either conducted against those conducting peaceful protests or conducted by those protesting, and anyone that’s responsible for violence should be held accountable," said US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller. He made the remarks during a regular media briefing in Washington on October 16 when a journalist drew his attention to the latest government decision and claimed that over "3000" police personnel were killed between August 5 and 8 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The interim government has said no cases can be filed against students and people who actively participated in the mass upsurge in July-August, apparently giving impunity to those who carried out attacks even after the fall of  the Hasina-led government on August 5. US warns Israel to boost humanitarian aid into Gaza or risk weapons funding The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement said there will be no cases, arrests or harassment for the events related to the July uprising, organized from July 15 to August 8. Chairperson of human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) Z.I. Khan Panna told BBC Bangla that there is no chance of impunity for criminal offences. “All the efforts that are going on now are illegal,” he said. "A new journey started to build a new Bangladesh free of discrimination through the fall of the autocratic and fascist government in the mass uprising of the students-people on August 5. The students and people actively worked for it on the grounds of movement to make this a success; there will be no cases, arrests or harassment for incidents related to the July mass uprising from July 15 to August 8,” said the Home Ministry. Responding to a question on an Islamic song sung at a puja mandap during the recent Durga Puja, Miller said obviously they are committed to religious freedom in Bangladesh and elsewhere. "With regard to that specific incident, I’ll take it back and get you an answer," he said.