United News of Bangladesh

 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) for Asia Änjali Kaur concluded her visit here that highlighted the importance of biodiversity conservation, restoration, and harnessing local knowledge and expertise for healthy ecosystems.  She visited Bangladesh from June 2-6 to meet with national and local government officials to advance the U.S.-Bangladesh development partnership and prioritize a prosperous and climate-resilient future. During her visit, DAA Kaur met with key government officials, development partners and civil society to strengthen USAID’s partnership.   She delivered a keynote at the clean air policy dialogue with Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Convenor of the Climate Parliament Nahim Razzaq, MP, and the Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Atiqul Islam.  She unveiled USAID’s Chittagong Hill Tracts Watershed Co-Management Activity to empower local communities and protect natural resources in the hill tracts region with UNDP, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mashiur Rahman, and Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Aung Shue Pru. DAA Kaur was also excited to make her inaugural visit to the Sundarbans and understand the importance of the world’s largest mangrove forest.  She met with USAID partners and local champions who protect the ecosystem and its wildlife, which are critical for livelihoods and protection from floods and cyclones.  Community leaders, local government, and the private sector shared their stories and insights on how to strengthen ecosystem resilience and advance prosperity.  

The UK is providing £500,000 or Tk 7.5 crores of vital humanitarian assistance to communities affected by Cyclone Remal in southwestern Bangladesh. Cyclone Remal has affected 4.6 million people and displaced 800,000 people. British Chargé d'affaires to Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, said, “The UK stands with all those affected by Cyclone Remal, which has displaced 800,000 people in southwestern Bangladesh.” “I am pleased to announce the UK has provided humanitarian assistance to support those affected. This includes £500,000 (BDT 7.5 crores) through START Fund Bangladesh, as well as supporting preparedness efforts through the UN and NGO partners,” he added. Matt Cannell said UK assistance will provide vital support, including food, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies to more than 43,000 people. “This contribution complements the government of Bangladesh’s response.” This will provide vital support, including food, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies to more than 43,000 people in Bagerhat, Satkhira, Khulna, Bhola, Pirojpur and Patuakhali districts, said the British High Commission on Thursday. It will prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable people affected, including women, children, and those who have been displaced from their homes. This UK contribution will be managed by Start Fund Bangladesh and implemented by Christian Aid, Action Aid, Jago Nari, and Coast Foundation. It supports and complements the Government of Bangladesh’s ongoing response. The UK is a significant supporter to global humanitarian funds and disaster risk financing mechanisms that are responding to Cyclone Remal, such as UNICEF’s Today and Tomorrow Initiative (TTI) and the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). The UK is a significant contributor to CERF, which is providing a total of £5.8million (BDT 87.6 crores) to support those affected.  UK funding also helped over 30,000 people temporarily relocate from coastal areas to secure shelters to help ensure their safety. Food, hygiene kits and medical supplies, were ready ahead of them arriving to secure shelters.   

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes following his election victory. "India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade," Modi said. PM greets Modi on historic third term; accepts invitation to inauguration In a message shared through X, formerly known as Twitter, Modi said he looks forward to working together to further strengthen the people-centric partnership between Bangladesh and India. Narendra Modi invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his government, to be held June 8. PM Hasina congratulates Modi on election win Sheikh Hasina accepted the invitation. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Narendra Modi on the resounding victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) inLok Sabah elections. "As the leader of the largest democracy in the world, you carry the hopes and aspirations of the people of India," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a congratulatory telephone call from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the victory of NDA in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, according to Press Information Bureau of India. India's Modi prepares for record 3rd term as nations congratulate his government on election victory Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the first foreign leaders to congratulate the Prime Minister Modi, reflecting the warmth and personal rapport between the two leaders, it said. The two leaders pledged to continue working together to further deepen the historic and close ties under the renewed mandate towards achieving under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Smart Bangladesh 2041. They acknowledged the significant improvements achieved in the lives of the people of both countries in the last decade and looked forward to further enhancing the transformative relationship across all domains that include economic and development partnership, energy security, connectivity including digital linkages and people-to-people contacts among others.

The United States has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the National Democratic Alliance on their victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections.  "We look forward to continuing to further our partnership with the Indian government to promote prosperity and innovation, address the climate crisis, and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region," said US Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller on Wednesday. With approximately 650 million voters casting their ballots over the past six weeks, he said, these elections represent the largest exercise in democracy in human history.  "We commend Indian voters, poll workers, civil society, and journalists for their commitment and vital contributions to India’s democratic processes and institutions," Miller said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Narendra Modi on the resounding victory of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the  Lok Sabah elections. "As the leader of the largest democracy in the world, you carry the hopes and aspirations of the people of India," she said. She said that Modi's convincing victory is a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of India have reposed in his leadership, commitment and unwavering dedication for the country. "It is my firm belief that our friendly and close ties will continue in all areas, as you start the journey with renewed mandates for a rare 3rd consecutive term." Let me assure you that Bangladesh, she said, as a trusted friend of India, will continue to work together for the betterment of the people of the two countries as well as for a prosperous and peaceful region. She also conveyed best wishes to the people of India for the continued peace, progress and prosperity. "I look forward to closely working with you in the coming days," she said.

Visiting President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Kate Forbes on Wednesday commended the government’s response in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal recently and also in dealing with the protracted Rohingya humanitarian situation. She met with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the latter’s office and discussed issues of mutual interest. Hasan Mahmud reiterates interest in working together with partners to advance children’s rights They also discussed the evolving situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, and the prevailing scenario for humanitarian support by interested international partners. The Foreign Minister urged BDRCS to consider expanding its activities in support of the Rohingya sheltered in Bhashan Char. The Foreign Minister welcomed the IFRC President on her maiden visit to Bangladesh, and also within a short period of assuming office. He recalled the work of ICRC and IFRC in support of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) over the years, especially for disaster response and maternal health service delivery. Law is taking its own course: Hasan Mahmud says on Dr Yunus case The IFRC President shared her experience of visiting Satkhira and Cox’s Bazar, and encouraged Bangladesh to share some of its innovative humanitarian assistance models with other countries. Minister Hasan suggested operating additional hospitals in certain major cities in the country under the aegis of the national Red Crescent Society. The IFRC President expressed interest in working with Bangladesh in advancing the Federation’s work on climate change and migration. Minister Hasan assured of Bangladesh’s constructive engagement at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in October 2024. Tarique Rahman symbol of graft, face of BNP's misrule: Hasan Mahmud Forbes also appreciated the work of the nominated Bangladesh member in the IFRC Governing Board that she presides over. Dr M U Kabir Chowhdury, Chairman, BDRCS and Alberto Bocanegra, IFRC Representative in Bangladesh were also present.

State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Shofiqur Rahman Chowdhury said Malaysia has been requested to allow the entry of Bangladeshi workers who failed to go there even after obtaining visas. "We applied and hopefully Malaysia will consider it," he told reporters after the meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim. The Malaysian High Commissioner said that the relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia is friendly and historical. The Malaysian envoy said she would inform her government about Bangladesh’s request, the junior minister said. Earlier on June 02, the junior minister said around 17,000 people, who were planning to go to Malaysia, failed to go there within the stipulated time.

The government has appointed Naureen Ahsan as the next High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Brunei Darussalam. She will be replacing Ambassador Nahida Rahman Shumona in this capacity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.        Naureen Ahsan, a career diplomat of 15th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) cadre, joined Foreign Service in 1995. Currently she is serving at the ministry as Director General of Research Wing. In her diplomatic career, she has served in Bangladesh missions in Pretoria, The Hague and Ottawa in different capacities. At the headquarters as well, she has held several important positions. For a very brief period, she also served on deputation as a Director at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).          Hailing from Dhaka, Naureen Ahsan did her graduation and post-graduation in Zoology from University of Dhaka. Later on, she obtained another Master of Arts degree with specialization in Environmental Politics and Diplomacy from University of Pretoria.

Ambassador Noor-E Helal Saifur Rahman has been appointed as the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Jordan. He will be replacing Ambassador Nahida Sobhan in this capacity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. Ambassador Rahman is a career diplomat belonging to the 15th batch of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS)-Foreign Affairs cadre. Joining the service in 1995, he is now serving as the Bangladesh Ambassador to South Africa with concurrent accreditation to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. In his diplomatic career, Rahman served in various capacities in Bangladesh Missions in Islamabad, Paris, Singapore and Kuwait. He was also the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Karachi. At the headquarters, he held various important positions including Director General of Africa Wing as well as Director General of External Publicity Wing. Rahman obtained his Bachelor and Master Degree in Bangla Language and Literature from University of Dhaka. Later, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Nanyang Technological University of Singapore. Rahman is also an attendee of ‘International Management Program’ at the MIT, United States. In 2013, he took part in the National Defense Course (NDC) at the National Defence College, Mirpur, Dhaka in Bangladesh. 

Foreign Minister Hasan mahmud on Wednesday reiterated Bangladesh’s interest in working together with relevant international partners, including UNICEF, in advancing child rights and protection in the country. The UNICEF Country Representative Sheldon Yett met Foreign Minister Hasan at the latter’s office and thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for extending support for discharging his duties during the last nearly three years. Tens of thousands of children in Afghanistan are affected by ongoing flash floods, UNICEF says Hasan felicitated the UNICEF Representative for his services and assured of continued support to his successor. He recognised UNICEF’s support to Bangladesh towards achieving the child and maternal health related SDG targets. Hasan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, with focus on both healthcare and nutrition. UNICEF 'appalled' at Rohingya teacher's killing The UNICEF Representative briefed the Foreign Minister about the agency’s work in support of the UN’s Joint Rohingya Response Plan. He also thanked Minister Hasan for his invitation to the UNICEF Executive Director to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time this year.