United News of Bangladesh

 British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Sunday said Bangladesh has done a lot of changes in the last decade and its economy also advanced a lot. In order to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), she suggested that Bangladesh “needs to work more” on the policy reforms, sustainable and predictable policy regime, intellectual property right (IPR), alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and repatriation of profit related issues. The British envoy said the UK is interested to work with Bangladesh regarding economic progress and climate change issues. The High Commissioner who visited Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) said that the UK will extend its possible support to Bangladesh in successful graduation from the LDC to middle income country status. But after the LDC graduation, to keep the export market safe, Bangladesh needs to diversify its exportable items other than RMG products. She hoped that both trade and exports between the UK and Bangladesh would accelerate in the future. Besides, the tax-GDP ratio of Bangladesh should be increased, she said. Agriculture, Sea Food (shrimp), leather goods, light engineering especially bicycle and RMG have huge potential for Bangladeshi exporters in the UK market, the High Commissioner added. She also stressed on producing quality products having international standards to grab international market. Prioritizing strong trade and investment relations further, the envoy later invited Bangladeshi business delegations to the UK to enhance better connectivity.     Over 94% of export from Bangladesh to the UK concentrated on ready-made garments (RMG) products (USD 5.03 billion), according to DCCI. Other than RMG products, few more items are also being exported to the UK, but their volume is not up to the expected level, said DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed at a bilateral meeting with the British High Commissioner. Welcoming the British High Commissioner to DCCI, he said that the total bilateral trade between Bangladesh and UK reached USD 5.73 billion in FY2023. The UK is the 3rd largest export destination and 26th largest import source of Bangladesh. In FY 2022-23, export from Bangladesh to UK was USD 5.31 billion and total import from UK was USD 415.32 million. The UK is the second largest foreign investment source for Bangladesh followed by the USA with USD 3.04 billion FDI stock. The potential of economic partnership between the UK and Bangladesh is very bright especially in the fields of finance, healthcare, Fin-tech, BPO, BPS, tourism, and education sectors. Moreover, the UK can also transfer technical know-how, innovation and skills in ICT, Architecture, Healthcare sectors through joint venture partnership. Both Bangladesh and the UK need to initiate and expand discussions for framing agreements at G2G level to boost bilateral trade and investment during the post LDC era. Bilateral discussions need to reflect new priorities arising from Bangladesh’s economic transition, he said.    

A discussion meeting on the occasion of the 35th death anniversary of Hazrat Imam Khomeini (R.A.), Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran was held at Kabi Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on Saturday. The Cultural Centre of the Iranian embassy in Dhaka organized the discussion meeting. Ambassador of Iranian embassy in Bangladesh Mansour Chavoshi delivered his speech in event as the chief guest while Ambassador Yao encourages Bangladeshi students to promote friendship by learning Chinese language Global University Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Anisuzzaman and the chairman of the philosophy department of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Shah Kawthar Mustafa Abululayee were present as special guests. Speakers at the event said Imam Khomeini (RA) was the great personality and unique political leader.   They also said hee not only worked for the Muslims but also he worked for all oppressed nations and humanity that why he is recognized as a world leader beyond Iran and the influence of the Islamic revolution he established is global today. The speakers also said that the movement and revolution of Imam Khomeini (RA) led to the revival of Islam and the Muslims of the Islamic world regained their honor and dignity. Iranian President Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian and others who were martyred in the recent helicopter crash were remembered with respect in the event. JU professor appointed deputy director of SAARC Cultural Centre The speakers said that despite the irreparable loss of the country due to the martyrdom of Iranian President Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi and his companions, Iran will move forward as before under the worthy leadership of Iran's supreme leader. Maulana Dr. Syed Muhammad Emdad Uddin,Chief  Khatib, Dhaka University Central Mosque was present as Guest of Honor while  cultural counsellor of Iran embassy in Bangladesh Seyed Reza Mirmohammadi presided over the meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has encouraged students to promote Bangladesh-China friendship by learning the Chinese language and devoting themselves to cultural exchange between the two countries. Speaking at the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" world Chinese proficiency competition for the college students in Bangladesh, he emphasized the competition as a cultural exchange platform. Ambassador Yao awarded the contestants at the event held at the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy on May 31. Over 240 people, including local dignitaries and educational professionals, watched the event, according to the the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. The competition featured nine contestants selected by the Confucius Institutes. After rounds in knowledge quizzes, speeches, and talent shows, Bushra Mubassera Mahmud from the Confucius Institute at North-South University emerged as the champion, earning the opportunity to represent Bangladesh in the finals in China. Dr Md Omar Faruque, Rector of the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy, highlighted the event's role in fostering cultural appreciation and expressed willingness to enhance cooperation with China. The runner-up of the competition will observe the finals in China, and other contestants will attend a Chinese summer/autumn camp.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has urged the United Nations organizations and other partners to take coordinated action for the repatriation of about 1.3 million Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds to their homeland Myanmar. He also sought effective step to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Rakhine state and for the betterment of the Rohingya population. The Foreign Minister, ,who is now in the United States on a three-day official visit,, made the call during his four separate meetings with the President of the General Assembly, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the heads of six United Nations development organizations at the United Nations headquarters on Friday (afternoon local time) in New York. Hasan told United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis that in 2017, when about one million people fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar, the people of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram received them with compassion. "But gradually the Rohingyas are getting employment in different places out of the camps and the camps have become a haven for various crimes including human trafficking, drug smuggling, terrorism. As a result, the locals are passing a very difficult time," he added. During his meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, Hasan said apart from the Rohingyas, since last February, about 750 members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police and Army have fled to Bangladesh at various times. Most of them have been sent back, and the rest are in the process of being returned. "Not only that, the shells of the conflicting groups in Myanmar have also caused casualties in Bangladesh. It is absolutely necessary to prevent the recurrence of these," Hasan said. In a meeting with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar, the former Foreign Minister of Australia, Julie Bishop, Foreign Minister Hasan said that the ongoing conflict situation in Myanmar is not a new phenomenon and it should not be given an opportunity to be used as an excuse against Rohingya repatriation.  

Prof Sikder MD Zulkernine, a professor at the Department of Archaeology of Jahangirnagar University, has been appointed as the deputy director at the SAARC Cultural Centre. The appointment was announced through an official letter from the SAARC Cultural Centre, Colombo, Sri Lanka, recently. Zulkernine has been appointed as the deputy director (programmes) with three years of tenure effective from August 1, 2024, the letter said. SAARC Cultural Centre is a regional centre established based on the decision made by the heads of state or government of SAARC countries to promote cultural cooperation to bring the people of South Asia closer and to protect the distinct identity of South Asia. The centre is intended to function as a major meeting point for the artistic communities of the member states. The centre will provide the necessary facilities and conditions for individuals and groups in various fields of interest to meet and interact in a conducive environment. It is intended to cater to all forms of art, such as performing arts like dance, music, drama, theatre, puppetry, and folk culture, as well as visual arts including painting, sculpture, filmmaking, photography, and literature, as per the provisions made in the SAARC Agenda for Culture. SAARC Cultural Centre is part of SAARC, an association established for corporations between South Asian countries. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are the current members of SAARC. Zulkernine expressed a commitment to work hard in line with the visions and missions of the regional cultural centre. He said it is a good opportunity to present South Asian culture and history to the world community, as well as the history, culture, and heritage of Bangladesh.  

Biopic of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, "Mujib: The Making of a Nation", was screened in New Delhi in Bangla language for the first time. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi hosted the screening of the film on May 31 at the local cineplex, PVR Priya. This film on the Father of the Nation, the greatest Bengali of all times, was produced jointly by the governments of Bangladesh and India and directed by renowned Indian director Shyam Benegal. It was screened in Bangla language for the first time in New Delhi under the initiative of the Bangladesh High Commission. Bangladesh High Commissioner Md. Mustafizur Rahman recalled Bangabandhu's outstanding contributions and sacrifices during the independence movement and said the film depicts his early life, his involvement in politics and the struggles of the movement, his life as a leader and person, and repeated imprisonment. It also captures his unforgettable role in the Bengali nationalist movement and, above all, his ultimate role in the birth of a nation. The High Commissioner described the great leader as one of the legendary leaders of this century for his extraordinary leadership, indomitable courage, political wisdom and selfless spirit. The cineplex was filled to the brim with high-ranking officials of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, officials of other government departments of the host country, ambassadors and diplomats from various embassies in Delhi, veteran media personalities, other dignitaries and the lively presence of the local Bengali community.

 Ambassador to Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari has said Everest Day was not only a reminder of the first historic ascent of the highest peak on earth but also an occasion to reflect on the importance of mountains and mountain ecology. Speaking at a function on Friday, he stressed the urgent need to preserve and protect the entire Himalayan range from the onslaught of climate change. Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari jointly inaugurated the three-day ‘Photography Exhibition’ being held to observe International Mount Everest Day-2024. The exhibition is being organized by the Embassy under the theme of ‘Mountain Memories: Connecting Peaks and People’ at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy from May 31 May to June 2.This exhibition is an attempt to bring Nepal’s mountains and natural landscape to Bangladeshi audience through photographs taken by both Nepali and Bangladeshi mountaineers, trekkers, and photographers, he said. Speaking as the chief guest, Saber Hossain Chowdhury said Nepal was one of the favoured destinations of Bangladeshi travelers and that mountains including Mt. Everest continued to have a special appeal among them. Stating that mountains are at the frontline of the climate crisis, he emphasized the need to build regional and international partnerships to ensure the prominence of mountain agenda in global climate negotiations. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen highlighted the strong cultural and people-to-people contacts between Nepal and Bangladesh. He also underlined the role of mountaineering and trekking in building strong connections and fostering a deeper appreciation of the adventurous spirit shared by the peoples of both countries. Salahuddin Ahmed, Secretary of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy commended the Embassy’s initiative in celebrating Mt. Everest Day by organizing the ‘Photography Exhibition’. The curator of the Exhibition Enam Ul-Haque highlighted the emerging trends of mountaineering and adventure tourism in Bangladesh. He stated that each photograph included in the Exhibition would tell a distinct story of courage, determination, and resilience. On the occasion, Mohad Babar Ali, a Bangladeshi national who summitted Mt. Everest on 19 May 2024, was felicitated. Tahmina Shaily, the wife of late Khaled Hossain who reached the summit of Mt. Everest in 2013, was also honoured. The Inauguration Ceremony was attended by over 300 guests, including Bangladesh government officials, ambassadors, high commissioners, scholars, mountaineers, trekkers, photographers, media persons, and people from all walks of life. About 120 photographs by Bangladeshi and Nepali mountaineers, trekkers, and photographers are on display at the Exhibition, which is being organized with the support of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangla Mountaineering Trekking Club.  

 Describing Bangladesh as an important UN partner, its Secretary-General António Guterres said Bangladesh is making significant contributions to many UN programs, including international peace and security, sustainable development, and addressing climate change. The UN chief made this statement during a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud on Thursday afternoon( local time) in New York. The foreign minister is currently visiting the United States. The UN Secretary-General expressed gratitude for Bangladesh's generosity towards the Rohingya people and voiced concern about the current situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, particularly the forced recruitment of young Rohingya by the country's military. During this bilateral meeting, Guterres commended Bangladesh's ability to adapt to and cope with climate change. The Foreign Minister sought the UN's support in facing the challenges of Bangladesh's graduation from a low-income country. Guterres expressed the UN's full support in this regard, saying, "For this, Bangladesh should be rewarded, not punished." Hasan expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for his leadership in addressing ongoing global challenges, including the crisis in Gaza. He said that peace-loving people around the world praised the Secretary-General for his personal presence in Gaza to prevent conflict. During this time, the Foreign Minister called for the UN to maintain global focus on the Rohingya crisis, ensure the safe and sustainable repatriation of nearly 1.3 million Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh and play a stronger role in improving the situation in Rakhine. Foreign Minister Mahmood expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for the UN's 50 years of strong partnership and development assistance to Bangladesh. Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, members of the Foreign Minister's entourage, and officials from the mission were present at the meeting.  

Former Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not consulted while removing the words "except Israel" from the e-passport though the Bangladesh's position regarding Israel remains unchanged. "I was foreign minister at that time. I was not consulted, even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not consulted," he said while responding to a question, noting that the Ministry of Home Affairs looks into the passport matters. Bangladeshi passports now do not bear the text “valid for all countries of the world except Israel." Momen, also chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, however said Bangladesh does not even have any commercial relations with Israel. He was responding to questions at a public parliament debate contest at FDC. Debate for Democracy organised the event, with its chairman Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, in the chair. The topic of the debate was "United efforts by the Muslim world can help stop Israeli aggression in Palestine." State University of Bangladesh and Kabi Nazrul Government College debated on the topic. The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was drawn to a message on X issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel welcoming removal of ban on travel to Israel on E-passports being issued by Bangladesh in 2021.Momen said they were told that the removal of the observation has been done to maintain international standard of Bangladeshi e-passports. The MoFA at that time said it does not imply any change of Bangladesh’s foreign policy towards the Middle East. The ban on travel of Bangladeshi passport holders to Israel remains unchanged, according to the MoFA. The government of Bangladesh has not deviated from its position on Israel and Bangladesh remains firm on its longstanding position in this regard. The government of Bangladesh has always condemned the atrocities inflicted upon the civilians by the occupation forces of Israel in al-Aqsa mosque compound and at Gaza. Bangladesh reiterates its principled position concerning the two-State Solution of the Palestine-Israel conflict in light of the UN resolutions recognizing pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine. Speaking as the chief guest, Momen said unity among the Muslim countries can play a supportive role but laid emphasis on engaging with the Western world with intensified negotiations. He said the United Nations has no power as an organisation as such as the things depend on willingness of the permanent members of the UN Security Council. "We have to make these five countries- China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States - understand. We need to make the US understand for their own interest and for the interest of humanity," Momen said. He said if the US does not agree to act, it is not possible to achieve the goal of peace. Momen said there is a need for collective international efforts instead of lip services to ensure that genocide is stopped, human rights and dignity are protected. He said everyone - civil society members and media - has a role to play as little drops of water, make the mighty ocean. "We need to demonstrate sincerity instead of lip services," Momen said. The former foreign minister highlighted the importance of regional peace and stability that this region maintains and it helps to make development sustainable. He said many European countries are in problems due to war in Ukraine. Momen also said they do not want any proxy war in this region. Bangladesh reiterated her pledge to support Palestine endeavors in obtaining full membership of Palestine in the United Nations through advocacy in all international forums and beyond. Bangladesh called for a long term ceasefire and urged all concerned to exercise restraint to protect civilian lives and infrastructure. Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said there is no division in the politics of Bangladesh on supporting the Palestinian state, noting that all are for Palestine. He said the silent cry of the people of Palestine is the cry of endangered humanity around the world. "The killing, looting, rape, brutality and inhumanity in Gaza is the darkest chapter in the history of the world," Kiron said, adding that every person in Palestine is now on the brink of life and death. He placed seven-point recommendations to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli crisis. He said the Muslim world should unite and forget the Shia-Sunni divide State University defeated the debaters of Kabi Nazrul Government College in the shadow parliament. Professor Abu Muhammad Roys, journalists Masud Karim, AKM Moinuddin, Jhumur Bari and Ekramul Haque Sayem were present as judges.

The Russian House in Dhaka in cooperation with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organized an event dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian pianist and teacher Elena Gnesina, the founder of a higher educational institution for musicians - the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music. The programme was held at the studio theatre hall of BSA in the city Friday evening. Director of the Russian House in Dhaka P. Dvoychenkov mentioned in his welcoming speech that Elena Gnesina is known primarily as a teacher who created a multi-stage system of music education in Russia: school - college - university. Few people know that after graduating from the Moscow Conservatory she could have made a brilliant career as a performer abroad, but she preferred this rosy prospect to teaching in her native country. Elena Fabianovna gave 75 years of her life to pedagogy. The uniqueness of Gnesina's personality is that, as the director and artistic director of the school and later of the Gnessin State Musical and Pedagogical Institute, she continued to perform as a pianist and taught piano classes and methods of teaching piano. In her multifaceted work, a special place was occupied by communication with the youngest musicians, especially for whom Gnesina composed pieces and etudes, which were included in the "Piano Alphabet" created by her. During the presentation presented by students of the Russian language courses at the Russian House in Dhaka, the participants learned about the life and multifaceted activities of the Russian and Soviet pianist, composer, teacher and Honored Artist Elena Fabianovna Gnessina. During the event, several episodes of her work were also presented. Elena Gnesina developed the best traditions of the Russian piano school. Her famous students were the pianist L.N. Oborin, the composer A.I. Khachaturian, the conductors E.F. Svetlov and G.N. Rozhdestvensky, and her musical and pedagogical activity was marked by the art of communicating with her students. As part of the event, a documentary film "The House Where Music Lives" was shown, timed to coincide with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Elena Gnessina. The narrative of the film reveals not only facts from the life of Elena Fabianovna, but also the history of the formation of Gnessin educational institutions, as well as key periods in the development of Russian, Soviet, and later Russian musical education.