United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has sought China’s more active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis as Dhaka thinks China has a significant influence on Myanmar. “China has a lot of influence on Myanmar. Let’s accept this reality. We would look forward to a more active Chinese role ensuring that we can send them back,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, adding that China has been cooperating with Bangladesh in this regard. Describing the Rohingya crisis as an important issue for Bangladesh, he said their repatriation to Myanmar is the only solution. “We know there is only one solution – they (Rohingyas) have to go back to their homes – Myanmar,” said the Foreign Adviser while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka on Monday. Seeking international community’s support for the repatriation of the Rohingyas, Hossain said there are other solutions often suggested but none of those solutions are viable. Bangladesh a bright example of communal harmony: Foreign Affairs Adviser He said the Rohingya crisis should not be repeated and their return should be ensured with their rights and security. Hossain stressed Bangladesh and China always treat each other with equity and render each other support, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and win-win cooperation. The Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with Center for Chinese Studies(SIIS-DU) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized the seminar on “Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook.” Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the seminar as a special guest and delivered a keynote speech. Director of the Academic Advisory Council, SIIS Prof Dr Yang Jiemian, Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh's Economy Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Director General, BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis were present. Highlighting the importance of a quick and international solution to the Rohingya crisis through joint efforts, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently said the solution to the problem is in the hands of the international community, not Bangladesh alone. “We will keep on raising the issue. Malaysia will be supporting us in raising that. We can’t wait indefinitely. This is something we have to resolve as soon as possible,” he said while responding to a question from UNB during a joint press appearance with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel in Dhaka. “We need to find a solution to that problem. And we work together through Asean, through the Malaysian government and through the broader international community,” he said. Malaysia is going to be the next chair of ASEAN from January 2025. Seven years ago, on August 25, 2017, some 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek protection in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. In 2024, humanitarian agencies appealed for $852 million to assist 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis in surrounding communities. This appeal remains inadequately funded, according to UNHCR.

Bangladesh has sought China’s more active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis as Dhaka thinks China has a significant influence on Myanmar. “China has a lot of influence on Myanmar. Let’s accept this reality. We would look forward to a more active Chinese role ensuring that we can send them back,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Describing the Rohingya crisis as an important issue for Bangladesh, he said their repatriation to Myanmar is the only solution. Bangladesh can return to inclusive growth path with urgent reforms: WB “We know there is only one solution – they (Rohingyas) have to go back to their homes – Myanmar,” said the Foreign Adviser while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka on Monday. Seeking international community’s support for the repatriation of the Rohingyas, Hossain said there are other solutions often suggested but none of those solutions are viable. He said the Rohingya crisis should not be repeated and their return should be ensured with their rights and security. Hossain stressed Bangladesh and China always treat each other with equity and render each other support, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and win-win cooperation. The Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with Center for Chinese Studies(SIIS-DU) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized the seminar on “Bangladesh-China Relations: A Future Outlook.” Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the seminar as a special guest and delivered a keynote speech. Director of the Academic Advisory Council, SIIS Prof Dr Yang Jiemian, Chair of the Committee on White Paper on the State of Bangladesh's Economy Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Director General, BIISS Major General Iftekhar Anis were present. Highlighting the importance of a quick and international solution to the Rohingya crisis through joint efforts, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently said the solution to the problem is in the hands of the international community, not Bangladesh alone. EU announces new humanitarian aid package for Bangladesh, others “We will keep on raising the issue. Malaysia will be supporting us in raising that. We can’t wait indefinitely. This is something we have to resolve as soon as possible,” he said while responding to a question from UNB during a joint press appearance with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a hotel in Dhaka. “We need to find a solution to that problem. And we work together through Asean, through the Malaysian government and through the broader international community,” he said. Malaysia is going to be the next chair of ASEAN from January 2025. Seven years ago, on August 25, 2017, some 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek protection in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. In 2024, humanitarian agencies appealed for $852 million to assist 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis in surrounding communities. This appeal remains inadequately funded, according to UNHCR. Dhaka hopes COP29 will deliver concrete progress on materialising financing commitments  

Bangladesh's post-COVID recovery continues to be impacted by high inflation, balance of payments deficit, financial sector vulnerabilities and increasingly limited job opportunities for its youths, especially women and educated youths, says the World Bank. The multinational lender that provides financial support to developing countries for projects aimed at reducing poverty and fostering economic development said this in its twice-yearly-update, released on Tuesday. “In recent years, Bangladesh’s growth has not translated into job creation for the large number of youths entering the job market every year. Particularly, the educated youth and women faced difficulty in getting jobs to fulfill their aspirations,” said Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. He went on to say, “But time and again, Bangladesh has shown extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of adversity. I am confident that with urgent and bold reforms to enhance economic and financial governance, improve business environment, Bangladesh can return to a strong and inclusive growth path, with millions of jobs for its youth.” The latest Bangladesh Development Update highlights that global and domestic factors have created a challenging macro-fiscal context for the country. Bangladesh's real GDP growth moderated to 5.2% in FY24, primarily due to weak consumption and exports. World Bank cuts Bangladesh’s growth to 4 pc in FY25 for floods, uncertainty It is projected to decelerate to 4.0 percent in FY25, driven by subdued investment and industrial sector activities, before accelerating to 5.5 percent in FY26 and returning to a robust growth trajectory thereafter. Bangladesh also faces increasing income inequality, particularly in urban areas. From 2010 to 2022, Bangladesh's Gini index—a measure of income inequality—increased by nearly three points from 0.50 to 0.53. The report highlights urgent and bold reforms that are necessary to help the country return to a strong, inclusive and sustainable growth path. Despite the overall unemployment rate declining between 2016 and 2022, young people face significantly higher unemployment rates, particularly in urban areas. The availability of jobs has declined for urban educated youth, and job creation in large industries, like the ready-made garments sector, has stagnated. Since 2016, while more jobs were created in Dhaka, three divisions—Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet—faced significant net employment losses.  Inflation, driven by high food and energy prices, averaged 9.7% in FY24. Inflation spiked in the month of July and moderated in August. It is expected to remain elevated in the near term, but gradually subside in the medium term if supply-side issues stabilize and prudent monetary and fiscal policies are maintained.  World Bank Vice President for South Asia Region to meet CA, Finance Adviser The fiscal deficit is estimated to have moderated marginally to 4.5% of GDP in FY24 and is expected to remain within the government's target of 4.3 percent of GDP in FY25, with fiscal space for productive expenditures increasing only gradually. The implementation of the Annual Development plan declined to 80.9 percent in FY24 compared to 85.2 percent in FY23. The current account deficit narrowed to $6.5 billion in FY24, thanks to a contraction in imports and robust remittances. Remittances declined in July due to disruptions but rebounded. The balance of payments deficit also improved. “Pressure on the external sector is expected to persist in FY25, easing later if global conditions improve and exchange rate flexibility increases,” said Dhruv Sharma, World Bank Senior Economist and Co-author of the report. In May 2024, Bangladesh Bank implemented a crawling peg exchange rate system as a step towards a market driven exchange rate system. This led to a narrowing in the gap between the formal and informal exchange rates. While the banking sector faces tight liquidity conditions and elevated non-performing loans the Bangladesh Bank has made restoring discipline and stability in the sector a priority alongside managing inflation.

The European Commission has announced new funding to support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.  The Commission on Tuesday announced the new humanitarian aid package of €21.5 million for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total EU support to almost €95 million in 2024.  Meanwhile, a EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight taking essential supplies for victims of typhoon Yagi that left a trail of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region is being launched and due to arrive in the coming days in Laos. EU supports Bangladesh to strengthen border security  The announcements come as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting the Philippines and Indonesia this week to reinforce cooperation in disaster preparedness and response with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region.  Commissioner Lenarčič will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, the Philippines where he will highlight the EU’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness and response, both in the EU and beyond. EU offers to delay new deforestation rules after an outcry from governments and farmers  The EU recently supported the Philippines following typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.  New agreement on EU-Asean disaster management  Later this week in Jakarta, the Commissioner will attend the signing of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and Asean’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).  This agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Asean countries in preparedness and response to disasters by exchanging knowledge and best practices between Asean and the EU; deploying and exchanging experts; and developing training programmes. During his stay in Jakarta, the Commissioner will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, recalling the EU solidarity during the response. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said the ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones. The Commissioner said as climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response. "I am convinced that this agreement between the EU and ASEAN disaster management bodies will bring many gains, allowing us to learn from each other and better protect our populations,” Lenarcic added.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has expressed hope that COP29 will deliver concrete progress on materialising international climate financing commitments. In a meeting with Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to UN Chief Antonio Guterres and ASG for Climate Action at UN, the foreign secretary highlighted Bangladesh's continued leadership on Climate Adaptation. He raised concerns about human mobility as a major climate challenge. FS holds fruitful talks on UN support in transparency and accountability Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is likely to attend the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan next month, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. COP, which stands for Conference of Parties, is the series of formal meetings of the Conference of Parties, where governments assess global efforts to advance the Paris Agreement and the Convention, also limit global warming to 1.5°C as informed by the latest science.   At COPs, world leaders come together to measure progress and negotiate the best ways to address climate change. There are now 198 Parties (197 countries plus the European Union) to the Convention, constituting near universal membership. The next Conference will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. "Being elected by unanimous decision as the host country for COP29 is really a big honour for us. We consider it as a sign of respect from the international community to Azerbaijan and what we are doing, in particular, in the area of green energy," said Ilham Aliyev, president of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

- Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and UN Under Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junh had "fruitful discussions" about UN’s technical and policy support in transparency and accountability areas. They also discussed digital governance and capacity building of the public institutions as part of reforms agenda initiated by the interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh, US discuss collaboration to tackle money laundering, recover stolen assets Highlighting the negative impact of polycrisis on developing countries like Bangladesh, the foreign secretary emphasised UN’s support towards smooth transition from LDC, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation from the UN System and international partners and friends in repatriating stolen assets, crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Bangladesh has responded to a statement made by the Indian government, noting that Dhaka finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for. "The interim government would like to reassure the international community that it continues to do its best to uphold the long standing secular and inclusive credentials of the people of Bangladesh," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The ministry said the attention of the government has been drawn to a Statement by spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs of India on October 12, 2024 calling upon “….the Government of Bangladesh to ensure safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship, especially during this auspicious festival time.” The same statement also alleges “…a systemic pattern of desecration and damage to temples and deities…”. The Government of Bangladesh finds such allegations baseless and assertions uncalled for. Ensuring safety and security of all citizens, particularly the members of religious minorities, in Bangladesh remains a duty of the government of Bangladesh. Bangladesh committed to upholding its secular identity: Ministry Upholding the rights of every citizen regardless of one’s identity, religion or faith must be recognised as an internal affair of Bangladesh," Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said. There were just a handful of incidents reported on which the government authorities acted promptly in ensuring safety and security of Hindus and other minorities throughout the festival times, Dhaka said. Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence remains a time-honoured feature of liberalism and democracy in Bangladesh uniting all people. "The Government of Bangladesh attests in strongest terms that every individual regardless of his/her faith, religion or belief has the right to establish, maintain or perform respective religious rituals or practices, without any hindrance," the ministry said. This was vindicated by peaceful observance of Durga Puja in over 32,000 Puja Mandaps that were spontaneously set up across Bangladesh. On the reported theft of a golden crown at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in the southern Bangladesh district of Satkhira on 10th October 2024, it had been confirmed that the head priest performed his regular puja rites until 2:30 pm (afternoon) till which time the crown was intact inside the temple. Investigations are underway to determine as to why the priest and temple staff left such a precious possession unguarded and insecure, the ministry added. Four people have already been arrested in connection with the theft case.

The interim government has assured the international community that the government is committed to upholding the secular and inclusive identity of the people of Bangladesh. "The government of Bangladesh considers it a responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially members of religious minorities, in Bangladesh," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release on Monday. Reiterating the secular and inclusive values ​​of Bangladesh, the Hindu community of Bangladesh celebrated its biggest festival, Durga Puja, in a joyful atmosphere, the ministry said. On the occasion of Durga Puja, more than 32,000 puja mandapas were set up across Bangladesh, where Hindu women, men and children paid respect to the goddess. This 10-day long festival ended on Sunday evening in a cordial atmosphere across Bangladesh. Bangladesh a bright example of communal harmony: Foreign Affairs Adviser The government congratulated all the Hindus for celebrating Durga Puja in a festive atmosphere with full faith in all the steps taken by the government ignoring any kind of provocation and propaganda, said the ministry. In the wake of a few incidents across the country in the last week, the government immediately took strict measures. So far, 11 cases have been filed and 17 people arrested in connection with these incidents. Communal harmony and peaceful coexistence is the eternal identity of Bangladesh which unites all, said the government. The government of Bangladesh firmly believes that every person, regardless of his or her religion or belief, has the right to practice his or her religious activities without any hindrance, according to the ministry.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday invited more Turkish investment in Bangladesh, saying Dhaka is ‘now ready for business’ and both nations should explore full potential in their relationship. "We should put in a big effort," he said when Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen paid a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka. The Turkish envoy said bilateral trade between the two nations now stands at $1.1 billion, but there are huge scopes to scale up exports from both countries. He said a Turkish official delegation is now visiting Bangladesh in an effort to explore new business and trade opportunities and help reform initiatives of the interim government, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. "We want to deepen trade and economic ties," Sen said, adding that the Turkish Trade Minister would visit Bangladesh in December this year. Prof Yunus for creating "safe zone guaranteed by UN" for displaced people in Rakhine Prof Yunus also extended an invitation to the Turkish President and the first lady to visit Bangladesh at an opportune time. They discussed ways to deepen trade, economic and defence cooperation between the two countries, the Rohingya crisis, and more exchanges of students between two Muslim majority nations. Prof Yunus appreciated the Turkish humanitarian response to recent Bangladesh floods, its continued assistance to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's southeast, and a visit by a Turkish official delegation to enhance trade and business ties between the two nations. The envoy thanked Bangladesh for expressing solidarity with the earthquake victims of Turkey last year and sending some 10,000 tents for them. He conveyed Ankara’s invitation to Bangladesh to attend the upcoming World Halal Summit and a ministerial-level meeting in Istanbul. He said another Turkish team travelled the country during the recent floods in southeast Bangladesh, and provided humanitarian aid to the flood victims in Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur and Cumilla. The Turkish Ambassador emphasised a high-level business delegation's visit to Turkey to engage with Turkish business people and officials.

Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh Nardia Simpson on Monday met Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman to share Australia’s perspectives on building robust institutions to ensure the human rights of all are respected, protected and fulfilled. She met the Ameer also to learn more about Jamaat-e-Islami’s political priorities, according to the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur said they discussed how they can take forward the relations with “mutual respect and love.” Talking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “We had a very friendly and successful meeting.” The Jamaat ameer said they also discussed how Australia can cooperate with Bangladesh meaningfully in the area of skill development programmes. Shafiqur described Australia as one of the important development partners of Bangladesh and discussed areas of cooperation in the future. He said they are delighted to see that representatives of the foreign missions in Dhaka are visiting their office.