United News of Bangladesh

 UNICEF has confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during July’s protests, with many more injured and detained. "This is a terrible loss. UNICEF condemns all acts of violence. On behalf of UNICEF, I extend my heartfelt condolences to families mourning the loss of their sons and daughters," said UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Sanjay Wijesekera in a statement issued from Kathmandu on Friday. He has just returned from a week in Bangladesh and said he is deeply concerned about the impact of recent violence and ongoing unrest on children. In his meetings with government, UNICEF partners and organizations working for and with young people, he emphasized that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes the right of children to freedom of association and to freedom of peaceful assembly. “Children must be protected at all times. That is everyone’s responsibility," he said. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. Bangladesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to children's rights since becoming a signatory to the Convention almost 34 years ago. “I am aware of reports that children are being detained, and remind authorities that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening," Wijesekera said. In line with international human rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Bangladesh is a signatory, and based on research into the effects of detention on children, UNICEF urged an end to the detention of children in all its forms. This means that children should not be arrested or detained based on their mere presence in any location or because of their background, religion, or acts or beliefs of their family members, he said. Supporting children caught up in the violence is a priority for UNICEF, he said, adding that he visited the UNICEF-supported Child Helpline 1098 which has seen a 250 per cent increase in demand since the violence started. "I saw how trained counsellors listen to children’s concerns, refer to them the appropriate support and services – and follow up with them," Wijesekera said. In addition, 1,100 social workers, trained by UNICEF, under the Department of Social Services, are providing psychosocial help for children whose mental health has been affected by the violence and curfews. One of the best ways to help children recover from violence and to keep them safe is to reopen all schools, restart learning, and reunite children with their friends and teachers, he said. 30 million students from pre-primary to secondary school have missed 10 days of school. These learning losses are compounded by school closures earlier this year due to heat, cyclones and floods. While UNICEF welcomes the reopening of primary schools in many parts of Bangladesh from 4 August, there will still be around 15.5 million school children who are unable to resume learning. "The longer children are out of school, especially girls, the less likely they are to return, jeopardizing their future," Wijesekera said. He said children and young people are the future of Bangladesh. "They should be protected when they speak up.”  

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan has expressed his support towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's values and leadership. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud met the ICC Prosecutor in The Hague, Netherlands on Thursday. The Foreign Minister informed the ICC Prosecutor about the attacks by miscreants on state institutions in the country, damage to property, vandalism and invited him to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Khan also appreciated Bangladesh's contribution and cooperation in upholding global justice and accountability and international legal system. Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands Riaz Hamidullah was present in the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "I am impressed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's generosity and humanity towards the Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh. I also realize the price that Bangladesh has to pay for sheltering Rohingya displaced from Myanmar for seven years," the Ministry quoted the ICC Prosecutor as saying.   Foreign Minister Hasan praised the position and leadership of the ICC Prosecutor on the situation in Gaza, Ukraine and Rakhine State during the meeting. Highlighting the Rohingya issue, he said that due to other global issues, support and attention to the call for justice for the Rohingyas is waning. "It's being seen as a concern of Bangladesh only." Minister Hasan also highlighted the greater socio-economic challenges and huge security risks due to the prolonged presence of Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Prosecutor Khan said a permanent solution to the plight of the Rohingyas would be found when Myanmar will grant citizenship to the Rohingyas. Then only, they can return to their homeland peacefully and move freely in Myanmar like all other nationalities. He also mentioned that the international community should do whatever necessary to help the Rohingyas.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday said the government first wants to see the outcome of the investigation being carried out by the judicial inquiry commission instead of engaging anything parallel to that. “We want them (Commission) to work and complete their process. At this moment, we don’t want something separate or anything parallel to that,” Masud told reporters after briefing the development partners at a state guesthouse. PM's Press Secretary M Nayeemul Islam Khan, who also joined the briefing, told a reporter that no question was raised on whether the situation would affect intra-country relations.  Rather they (development partners) are showing full-confidence on this perspective. The foreign secretary, however, said they will surely consider taking technical-related assistance from the United Nations to that end. “We are hopeful that they (Inquiry Commission) will fairly, impartially and transparently investigate each incident to hold the responsible persons accountable and bring them to justice,” Masud said. Masud’s comments came after UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said his office is also available to deploy an independent fact-finding team, which would assist in building trust among all stakeholders and to help de-escalate tensions. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the United Nations and any country can send their experts for proper investigation of every incident of violence related to the quota reform movement. “I want everything to be investigated. Because, it needs to be found out what happened behind it and how these happened. I’ve appealed to the United Nations to send their experts. If any other country wants, they can send their experts too,” she said. The foreign secretary said the government already responded to the 14 foreign missions who wrote to Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud recently. “We have addressed their issues in the reply,” he said, adding that today the development partners wanted to know more about freedom of assembly, and wanted to know whether any force is being applied or anyone is arrested. Masud Momen said there was no problem where people were protesting peacefully but there were some problems in some places where the people tried to create disruptions going beyond peaceful atmosphere.    Earlier, he said the judicial inquiry commission has been tasked to investigate the whole period expanding the terms and conditions from the initial decision. The government said it remains committed to “hold accountable” through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage. Asked about shootings, Masud said the incidents of opening fires by the law enforcement agencies were a few and there were issues of self-defence. Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said the Turkish ambassador in Dhaka met him as their deputy foreign minister is scheduled to visit Bangladesh. “They had confusion and we said we are open,” he said, adding that the Turkish minister will come any day between August 20-24.   The foreign secretary on Wednesday said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) did not open fire from helicopters though fake information was being circulated. He said they have received video evidence that the RAB did not open fire from helicopters which they will share. "We became sure that RAB didn't open fires from helicopters." “Finally, things will be cleared through proper investigation. We want fair investigation into each death,” said the foreign secretary on Thursday. Videos related to the violence were also shown to the diplomats. "We have presented the latest information to them and shown videos. As we have reported, the RAB did not fire from the helicopter. Besides, I have highlighted the role of BGB and police during the movement. We have provided the video to them also,” the foreign secretary said. Diplomats from 22 countries including the United Kingdom, United States, China, Japan, Sweden, Qatar, Denmark, Switzerland, India, Russia, Canada, Australia, France, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, European Union, and the representatives from the United Nations attended the briefing.

Bangladesh says it wants to see that the leading UN entity on human rights does not align with the internationally financed and mobilized smear campaign being conducted against the country’s security and law enforcement agencies with the ulterior motive of creating political and social upheaval in the country. “It would be regrettable if the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) were to be considered to be aligning with the internationally financed and mobilized smear campaign….,” an official source told UNB, quoting a diplomatic communication with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk this week. On July 23, Türk wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that in these challenging times, his office is ready to support her efforts in resolving the current crisis. “I would welcome an opportunity to discuss this with you directly, either through a telephone call at your convenience, or in the margins of the Summit of the Future in New York in September. My office is also available to deploy an independent fact-finding team, which would assist in building trust among all stakeholders and to help de-escalate tensions,” a diplomatic source quoted Türk’s letter to PM Hasina. UN experts are welcome to probe every incident of quota violence: PM Hasina   Türk said he sincerely believes these measures would help to prevent further escalation and harm, and contribute to a resolution of this crisis. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen replied to the letter sent by the UN human rights chief acknowledging Türk’s personal interest in supporting the efforts at promoting and protecting human rights in a “sustained and forward-looking” manner. “We remain open to meaningful engagements with you and your colleagues within and beyond the office, as we have demonstrated over the past years,” the government mentioned in its reply to Türk. In a similar spirit, the Government of Bangladesh mentioned that Bangladesh’s political leadership would be happy to meet with him in person either in Geneva or New York at any time of mutual convenience. Meanwhile, Bangladesh expected from the UN rights office not to make sweeping comments about the independent judiciary and professional security sector in the country by way of joining certain local and international entities to “malign and weaken” these critical state institutions.   While the government needs to maintain public order, these reports of violence against citizens advocating for their fundamental rights and future have serious implications, not only domestically and in terms of Bangladesh's human rights obligations, but also for Bangladesh's international standing, Türk mentioned in his letter. Student protests: EU with Bangladesh to overcome current situation, calls for accountability “As one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, Bangladesh has consistently been a steadfast supporter of global peace and security,” he said. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (August 1, 2024) said the United Nations and any country can send their experts for proper investigation of every incident of violence related to the quota reform movement. “I want everything to be investigated. Because, it needs to be found out what happened behind it and how these happened. I’ve appealed to the United Nations to send their experts. If any other country wants, they can send their experts too,” she said. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said the context is different when the law enforcement agencies deal with terrorism and overwhelming destruction. Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said they surely do not want any death and hoped that the judicial inquiry committee will ensure justice and accountability through proper investigation. The Foreign Secretary said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) did not open fire from helicopters though fake information was being circulated. He said they are trying to make sure that the foreigners do not pay heed to rumours. Masud Momen said they are trying to provide objective information. He said they have received video evidence that the RAB did not open fire from helicopters which they will share. "We became sure that RAB didn't open fires from helicopters." He said the judicial inquiry committee has been tasked to investigate the whole period expanding the terms and conditions from the initial decision. Group of Bangladeshis in the US urge UN to act against ‘Jamaat-BNP mayhem’ The government said it remains committed to “hold accountable” through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage. The government ensured that due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts. The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians. An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect. In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence.

The United States has called on the military regime of Myanmar to engage with all stakeholders to pursue a path toward a peaceful, representative, and democratic future for Myanmar.   "The Burma (Myanmar) military regime’s extension of the state of emergency is at odds with the aspirations of the people of Burma, including their continued strong opposition to military rule," Spokesperson at the US Department of State Matthew Miller said in a statement.  The regime must end its violence against the people of Myanmar, release those unjustly detained, and allow in unhindered humanitarian access, he said.   The military’s actions have only prolonged the crisis, which has internally displaced over three million people, with thousands more seeking protection in neighboring countries, and plunged millions into poverty, Miller said.   "The United States and our partners and allies will continue to support the aspirations of the people of Burma to realize an inclusive, democratic government," he said.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said the postponement of the first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is not a "policy-induced" postponement. "We are not thinking that it is a policy-induced postponement. Few more similar postponements are likely to come ," he said. Masud Momen said there is a meeting scheduled to take place in the next three-four days.  "Then naturally, they may say that they are unable to come now," he said while talking to diplomatic correspondents of Channel 24, Independent TV and Somoy TV at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The EU has shown the current situation as a reason behind the postponement. It was scheduled to be held in Dhaka. “The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) foreseen in September has been postponed due to the prevailing situation,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB, quoting a message he received from Brussels. Negotiations on EU-Bangladesh Partnership and Cooperation Agreement ‘postponed’ due to prevailing situation The envoy also said a new date for starting the negotiations has not been fixed yet.    Bangladesh is willing to do it in November as the 79th session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 10, 2024, said a diplomatic source. A Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) agreement is a legally binding agreement between the EU and third countries. By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country. A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised. Recently, Ambassador Whiteley said they are eyeing a “step change” in their relations with Bangladesh in the next five years, deepening the ties in core areas. “I think in the next five years we would be really seeing a step change in our relationship,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in January this year. China encouraged by resumption of social order in Bangladesh The EU ambassador said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU will be driven by the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). ‘RAB Didn't Fire from Helicopters’  The Foreign Secretary said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) did not open fire from helicopters though fake information was being circulated. He said they are trying to make sure that the foreigners do not pay heed to rumours.  Masud Momen said they are trying to provide objective information. He said they have received video evidence that the RAB did not open fire from helicopters which they will share. "We became sure that RAB didn't open fires from helicopters." Masud Momen said the development partners have many questions and the Ministry will brief them on Thursday.  He said the context is different when the law enforcement agencies deal with terrorism and overwhelming destruction.  Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said they surely do not want any death and hoped that the judicial inquiry committee will ensure justice and accountability through proper investigation.  He said the judicial inquiry committee has been tasked to investigate the whole period expanding the terms and conditions from the initial decision. Bangladesh becomes party to Apostille Convention; Tk 600 crore to be saved annually The government said it remains committed to “hold accountable” through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage. The government ensured that due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts. The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians. An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect. In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence.

Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Stefano Sannino has assured Bangladesh of standing beside it in overcoming the current situation and called for accountability and dialogue with student protesters. Sannino met with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud in Brussels on Wednesday and reiterated deep concern at Bangladesh law enforcement authorities’ "excessive use of force" in recent protests. "I called for accountability and dialogue with student protesters. Human rights are a fundamental element of EU-Bangladesh ties," he said in a brief message through X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting. The government said it remains committed to “hold accountable” through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage. The government ensured that due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts. The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians. An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect. In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence. Secretary-General Sannino welcomed the establishment of a judicial inquiry committee into the incidents of casualties and attacks following directives from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He hoped through a transparent investigation, the responsible persons will be brought to justice, and Bangladesh will soon return to normalcy. The foreign minister told him the government is very sincere in this matter. The Secretary-General said the EU is with Bangladesh, and the European Union will cooperate in overcoming the crisis. In the meeting, the foreign minister detailed the flow of events including the government's decision to cancel the quota system in 2018, the recent writ and finally the Supreme Court verdict. Hasan said miscreants have created anarchy in the country by using the students' movement for their purposes, conducting various unruly activities including vandalism and arson, which in many cases resemble medieval barbarism. "Those involved in murder, vandalism and arson will be brought to justice," he said. Hasan expressed hope of accelerating their efforts to work together, mentioning the contribution and friendship of the European Union in the development journey of Bangladesh. Mahbub Hassan Saleh, Ambassador of Bangladesh in Brussels, was present at the meeting.

The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is being delayed as the plan for its initiation in September this year has been postponed. The EU has shown the current situation as a reason behind the postponement. It was scheduled to be held in Dhaka. “The first round of negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) foreseen in September has been postponed due to the prevailing situation,” EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley told UNB, quoting a message he received from Brussels. The envoy also said a new date for starting the negotiations has not been fixed yet.    Read more: It was like a terrorist attack to topple the govt: PM Hasina tells Indian envoy on quota violence. Bangladesh is willing to do it in November as the 79th session of the UN General Assembly opens on September 10, 2024, said a diplomatic source. A Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) agreement is a legally binding agreement between the EU and third countries. By means of a PCA, the EU works to support the democratic and economic development of a country. A PCA is typically entered into for ten years, after which they are automatically extended each year provided no objections are raised. Recently, Ambassador Whiteley said they are eyeing a “step change” in their relations with Bangladesh in the next five years, deepening the ties in core areas. “I think in the next five years we would be really seeing a step change in our relationship,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud in January this year. The EU ambassador said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU will be driven by the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). Read more: China encouraged by resumption of social order in Bangladesh.

China has noted that the situation in Bangladesh has come under control and social order has resumed. “The Chinese side is heartened by that as Bangladesh’s friend and close neighbor,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters during a media briefing on July 30. He said Bangladesh and China are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. “China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to deliver on the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China,” said Spokesperson. He said China stands ready to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, and deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Secretary General (SG) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Indra Mani Pandey, has visited Myanmar recently and discussed regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, especially in enhancing security cooperation, regional connectivity including digital and people-to-people connectivity. BIMSTEC: 5th meeting of Eminent Persons’ Group to be held in Dhaka on July 16-19 Myanmar is one of the seven member States of the BIMSTEC and leads regional cooperation in the Agriculture and Food Security Sector and Fisheries and Livestock Sub-sector. Myanmar joined as a member of the BIMSTEC in December 1997. The Secretary General paid his first visit to Myanmar during July 22-27 and participated in the 4th meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs. He called on the Heads of Delegation of the BIMSTEC member States participating in the meeting, according to the BIMSTEC. Pandey joined the Heads of Delegation of the member States participating at the 4th BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in the Courtesy Call on Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar. During his visit, Pandey called on Admiral Moe Aung, National Security Adviser and Union Minister for Ministry (1) at the office of Chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar, and discussed with him regional security cooperation under the BIMSTEC. Next BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand on September 4: Foreign Minister He called on Min Naung, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, and discussed with him regional cooperation under the BIMSTEC, especially in the Agriculture and Food Security Sector, which is led by Myanmar. During the visit, SG called on Lwin Oo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, and reviewed with him the matters related to BIMSTEC cooperation mechanisms, the work of BIMSTEC Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) on the future directions of BIMSTEC and the need for holding of the core and sectoral BIMSTEC meetings regularly. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs reiterated Myanmar’s commitment and reassured SG of Myanmar’s full support to BIMSTEC. Pandey met with Aung Kyaw Tun, Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications, and discussed regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, especially in enhancing regional connectivity including digital and people-to-people connectivity. The sixth summit of the BIMSTEC will take place in Thailand in September 2024. BIMSTEC: Modi discusses further strengthening regional cooperation in diverse areas BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It pursues regional cooperation in seven broad sectors: Agriculture and Food Security; Connectivity; Environment and Climate Change; People to People Contact; Science, Technology and Innovation; Security; and Trade, Investment and Development. The cooperation also covers 8 sub-sectors: Blue Economy, Mountain Economy, Energy, Disaster Management, Fisheries and Livestock, Poverty alleviation, Health and Human Resource Development.