United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Finland will hold the next round of political consultations in October which would help consolidate and expand areas of cooperation between the two countries. New non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh Kimmo Lähdevirta met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday at the latter’s office and discussed issues of mutual cooperation. The envoy informed about the visit of a business delegation as well during the upcoming political consultations to expand business opportunities between Bangladesh and Finland. The Ambassador underscored the Finnish expertise in green transition and renewable energy, IT and forestry, among others. He referred to the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and Bangladesh’s possible engagements. The two sides also exchanged views on visas for Bangladeshi students, cooperation in trade, culture, culinary, and tourism. The Foreign Secretary congratulated the Finnish Ambassador for his new assignment and assured of full support of the Bangladesh government in discharging his duties. He fondly recalled the official visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Helsinki in 2019 and her fruitful meeting with the then President of Finland. The Foreign Secretary thanked the Finnish government for humanitarian support towards the Rohingyas, however, stressed on the need for impactful political actions towards resolution of the crisis. The Finnish Ambassador thanked the Foreign Secretary for warmly receiving him with assurance of all-out support.

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday signed an agreement to launch phase-2 of the inclusive budgeting and financing for climate resilience (IBFCR) project. This €1.2 million grant will support the €300 million AFD climate policy-based loan programme in Bangladesh. UNDP urged to scale up support for accessing international climate financing Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh and Cecilia Cortese, Deputy Country Director, AfD signed the deal on behalf of their respective organizations, in the presence of Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France; Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary, Finance Division; Sirajun Noor Chowdhury, Additional Secretary, and other senior government officials. Initiated by the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, this technical cooperation aims to achieve strategic climate change-sensitive planning and budgeting management, strengthened climate public finance governance, and more effective planning and budgeting for climate finance at the local level. Bangladesh to reinforce climate resilience advocacy at COP29: Environment Minister UNDP's previous work with the Ministry of Finance on the Climate Fiscal Framework (CFF) and the first phase of IBFCR project has established a foundation for climate-sensitive public finance. The second phase will deepen climate integration into policymaking and financial management, supporting Bangladesh’s efforts against climate change and promoting resilient, low-carbon development in line with national plan. Ambassador Marie Masdupuy said Bangladesh has demonstrated impressive performance in accelerating economic growth and poverty reduction over the last decade despite being one of the most climate vulnerable countries of the world. World Bank to assist Bangladesh to improve human dev and climate resilience “This remarkable development faces jeopardy due to the widespread repercussions of climate change, which are affecting every sector of the economy. It is also crucial to consider the human dimension of climate change as it has been shown that women, girls and other socio-economically marginalized groups are more severely impacted,” she said. In this context, the Ambassador said, UNDP experience and knowledge in working with the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh will be instrumental in strengthening inclusive climate-related public planning, budgeting, and monitoring at both the national and local levels. This Grant Funding agreement illustrates France’s steadfast commitment to support Bangladesh in its effort to fight against climate change while achieving a resilient and low-carbon development pathways. Stefan Liller said climate-informed public finance has become a priority for Bangladesh. “The country has made remarkable progress by mainstreaming climate into the Public Finance Management process. The national budget plays a critical role in channeling climate finance at different levels.” This pioneering partnership with AfD marks the first of its kind. “UNDP will work closely with the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance to ensure that climate change dimensions are more effectively mainstreamed in the policymaking and public financial management systems in Bangladesh for a more climate-resilient economy. We are excited to be part of this initiative and deeply appreciate France’s enduring support also as one of UNDPs top core donors globally.” Khairuzzaman Mozumder said both UNDP and AFD play a critical role in addressing Bangladesh's development. UNDP has been a long-standing partner of the government of Bangladesh in mainstreaming climate into national policies, plans and budgetary processes. “I am hopeful that the IBFCR II project will add new dimensions to public climate finance in Bangladesh,” he said. As the main implementation partner of this project, Finance Division will be providing strategic guidance in respect of delivering intended outputs while enforcing coordination among the relevant agencies.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said the government of Japan will spare no effort to provide the necessary support for the swift recovery of the affected areas in Bangladesh due to cyclone Remal. We will stand by you as long as you need support: PM Hasina assures cyclone-hit people in Patuakhali “I would like to reiterate that Japan will always stand by Bangladesh as it emerges from this difficult time,” he said in a message sent to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Kishida said, “I am deeply saddened to learn that the cyclone that hit Bangladesh has resulted in the loss of many precious lives and the displacement of many people especially in the southern coastal areas.” PM Hasina witnesses cyclone devastation in Patuakhali from aboard helicopter On behalf of the government of Japan, he prayed for the souls of the victims and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Stop arms race, divert funds for poverty alleviation and children’s health, education : PM Hasina “I would also like to express my deepest sympathy to those affected by the disaster and my sincere wishes for the swift recovery of the affected areas,” said the Japanese Prime Minister in his message to PM Hasina. Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko in a separate message to Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, said, “I am deeply saddened to learn that the cyclone that hit Bangladesh has resulted in the loss of many precious lives and the displacement of many people, especially in its southern coastal areas." The Minister extended her sincere condolences to the victims and their bereaved families. She expressed her sincere wishes for the recovery of the affected people and the swift reconstruction of the affected areas. "The Government of Japan stands by the Government and people of Bangladesh at all times and is ready to provide the Government of Bangladesh with the necessary assistance," the message reads.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday said the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while achieving net zero vision, will safeguard interests of all member states and promote to ensure access to critical technologies and know-how for developing countries. "As a category-C Council Member of IMO, Bangladesh will remain engaged with advancing this vision on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities," he said. The Foreign Secretary was speaking at a programme at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez Velasco delivered a lecture on "Towards a Net Zero Shipping 2050: IMO’s Vision for a Just and Equitable Transition". Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam also spoke. Dominguez said the decision of which technology is to be installed on a ship is a commercial decision and there is nothing for them to decide.

Finland is keenly interested to invest in energy and information technology (IT) sectors in Bangladesh, particularly in cyber security, artificial intelligence and electric grid management. Non-resident Ambassador-designate of Finland to Bangladesh Kimmo Lahdevirta expressed his country's desire while paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban here. PM's Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting. The Finnish envoy said his country  has high expertise in electric grid management and so, it wants to invest in this sector.  We will stand by you as long as you need support: PM Hasina assures cyclone-hit people in Patuakhali He informed that a business delegation from his country would come in Dhaka soon to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The prime minister said Bangladesh is going to graduate as a developing nation finally in 2026. She sought support from Finland to continue enjoying  the GSP+ facilities from the European Union for a few more years ( a larger period) to smoothen its journey towards prosperity after the LDC graduation. The prime minister highly appreciated the excellent relations between Bangladesh and Finland as well as recalled her visits to Finland and meetings with the Finnish President in 2008 and 2019. About the Rohingya issues,  Hasina said the forcibly displaced Rohingyas have become a huge burden for Bangladesh. PM Hasina witnesses cyclone devastation in Patuakhali from aboard helicopter But the financial assistance from international community is getting declined gradually after the Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza genocide by Israel and Covid-19 pandemic, she said. As the Finland envoy wanted to know Bangladesh's stance on the election  in India, the Prime Minister said her government has been following "good neighborhood" relations in line with the cornerstone of the foreign policy, "Friendship to all, Malice towards none" adopted by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. PM's Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, among others, were present. PM congratulates Sheikh Mohammed Belal on re-election as CFC Managing Director  

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has said the United States will remain committed to ensuring that peacekeepers can continue to advance peace and security around the world. “We will continue to help our partners develop critical capabilities and invest heavily in long-term bilateral partnerships,” he said in a message, marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The U.S. Global Peace Operations Initiative has provided peacekeeping partners with over $1.8 billion in assistance for training and equipment, Blinken said. Blinken delivers some of the strongest US public criticism of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza The United States has reaffirmed its resolute support for UN peacekeeping.  “We salute the more than two million women and men from over 120 countries who have served in the 71 peacekeeping operations around the world since 1948 and honor the memories of the nearly 4,200 peacekeepers who have lost their lives during their service for peace,” Blinken said. He said that UN peacekeeping remains a powerful instrument for mitigating conflict and promoting peace and security.  As the largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping, the United States said it is “firmly committed” to enabling peacekeepers to carry out their missions.  US proud to partner with Bangladesh on many of today’s most pressing issues: Blinken Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping operations. Bangladesh Army has served in 43 missions worldwide, with over 6,000 peacekeepers currently deployed. The UN has appreciated Bangladesh for its “steadfast and remarkable contribution” to peacekeeping operations over the years.

A Bangladesh delegation led by Minister for Housing and Public Works R.A.M. Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury on Thursday met Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kawamura Kenichi at the JICA Headquarter in Tokyo. Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed, Secretary to Ministry of Housing and Public Works Md. Nabirul Islam and Economic Minister of the Embassy Syed Nasir Ershad were present in the delegation, among others. During the meeting, the Housing and Public Works Minister expressed gratitude to Japan for being one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh as a nation-state soon after the independence. Bangladesh needs JICA's help for investment master plan based on electricity demand: Nasrul The minister said the foundation of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries was strengthened in 1973 through the official visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan. He referred to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visits to Japan at different times to improve the relations between the two countries and said that Bangladesh-Japan relations have been upgraded to strategic partnership through the Prime Minister's visit to Japan in April 2023. The minister appreciated JICA’s expertise and support that is playing a crucial role in the development of Bangladesh. He mentioned the Japanese model of earthquake-resilient urban infrastructure development and expected more support from JICA to replicate Japanese experience and expertise in the development of housing and urban sectors in Bangladesh. Senior Vice President of JICA Kawamura Kenichi welcomed the Minister for Housing and Public Works at the JICA headquarter. JICA, Power Division hold workshop for improving power quality He thanked the Government of Bangladesh for the installation of the Peace Monument in Nagasaki and said that it is aligned with the shared vision of a peaceful world without nuclear weapons. He assured full cooperation in the smooth implementation of JICA’s ongoing projects in Bangladesh. Officials from Bangladesh Embassy and JICA were present at the meeting.

To enlighten aspiring Bangladeshi artists-art admirers with valuable knowledge, the US Embassy in Dhaka hosted an insightful program titled "Unveiling Value: Insights from A Valuer's Lens for Artists," featuring esteemed American art appraiser Alvah T Beander.  This virtual event took place on Wednesday evening at the capital's EMK Center, joined by art enthusiasts and journalists. The discussion aimed to shed light on the creative economy and income generation through arts, offering valuable insights for artists and art enthusiasts. Bren Flannigan, Acting Director of Public Engagement at the US Embassy, moderated the session.  During her talk, Alvah T Beander, a personal property valuer/appraiser specializing in African, African American, and African diaspora art who has been Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) compliant since 2001 and is the President of Melanin Art Appraisals, LLC, emphasized the intersection of art and business.  The online session highlighted important issues such as how to write an artist statement and how to conduct SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) analysis for that, the importance of networking, and several other aspects. Beander also demonstrated several case studies based on these factors. US Embassy empowers young Bangladeshi journalists through first ever TechCamp  She also underscored the importance of persistence in the art world, while highlighting the necessity of authenticity in artistic work; advising artists to stay true to themselves and their culture.  Answering a question from the UNB reporter on how museums and galleries in the country can transcend the borders and exhibit artworks to global audiences, Beander said that the art galleries can play a pivotal role in terms of branding and promoting the artists. Some art galleries in Bangladesh have been doing that for a while, associating with artists and promoting their artworks at home and beyond. Gallery Cosmos, the artistic wing of Cosmos Foundation, is one such pioneering gallery in the country. In Bangladesh, the United States has provided over $800,000 in funding for 12 projects over the past 20 years through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. Another important US government program, Art in Embassies, fosters vital cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding through visual art and dynamic artist exchanges.  Earlier this year, the US Embassy hosted an Art in Embassies reception featuring Bangladeshi American artist and climate activist Monica Jahan Bose. Currently, US Embassy Dhaka has an AFCP project with Bengal Foundation that aims to investigate and analyze the works of the great Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan. Journalists play critical role everywhere strengthening democratic institutions: US Embassy In 2021, Alvah T Beander became the first African American woman awarded the designation of Fellow in the London based Royal Institutes of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and certified in Chartered Fine Arts & Antiques. In 2020, she was appointed to the RICS of the Americas, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) working committee.  She was appointed to the Valuation Professional Group Panel in December 2023, responsible for setting the standards and regulations globally, where she led an Art & Antiques working group through the draft version of the Red Book which is expected to be printed in December 2024. 

Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN specialized agency that regulates the global shipping industry, Arsenio Dominguez Velasco is now in Dhaka on a four-day official visit. Dominguez was elected as the Secretary-General of the IMO in January. Imo, JAAGO join hands to empower marginalised children's education Bangladesh is the first Asian country he is visiting after taking office. He will deliver a lecture on "Towards a Net Zero Shipping 2050: IMO’s Vision for a Just and Equitable Transition" today (Thursday) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will preside over the programme that will begin 2:30pm. High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK and Permanent Representative to the IMO Saida Muna Tasneem, DG Shipping Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam and other senior officials of the Shipping Ministry received IMO SG at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday evening. During his visit, the IMO SG will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. MoFA orders nine envoys to return home from missions abroad He will also meet Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, MP, and State Minister of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, MP. He would be visiting the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Dominguez would also be visiting Bangladesh’s maritime and port infrastructure as well as Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry and would be taking a Guard of Honour at Bangladesh Marine Academy by Bangladesh cadet seafarers on the occasion of Bangladesh’s observance of International Day of Seafarers. Bangladesh was elected to the IMO Council category C last year for a year-year term and has been playing an active and visible role at the IMO to promote the interest of LDCs, SIDS and LLDCs for their transition to greener shipping and to promote an environmentally safe and sustainable global shipping industry.

Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed left Dhaka for Singapore on Thursday on an official visit. During the visit, he will attend the “International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 21st Asia Security Summit-2024” to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 2, 2024. In addition, the army chief will hold bilateral meetings with the Chief of Staff (Army Chief) of the Singapore Armed Forces and high-ranking military and civilian officials from various countries, according to an ISPR press release. The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's premier defence summit. It is a meeting where ministers debate the region’s most pressing security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks and come up with fresh approaches together. It is worth mentioning that the main objectives of this conference are to discuss regional security risks in the Asia region, bilateral discussions on important military matters, and to determine joint action plans to deal with the risks. The army chief will return to Bangladesh on June 2, 2024 after the conclusion of the conference, said the release.