United News of Bangladesh

The BIMSTEC member states have emphasized the importance of enhancing physical, maritime, and digital linkages to strengthen economic ties and people-to-people exchanges, while also exploring opportunities for capacity building and skill development. The support for the establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence was also expressed by the member states at an informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The meeting was held in New York on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UNGA recently. It concluded with a shared resolve to further deepen cooperation within BIMSTEC and prepare for the upcoming Leaders' Summit. It was the first meeting of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers in New York on the sidelines of the annual Session of the UNGA. BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers have also been meeting in Retreat, apart from their regular formal meetings. The meeting took stock of the close cooperation in health, food security, climate change, security, trade and investment and energy. It was hosted by India and chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India. It was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs/ Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, Permanent Representatives to UN of Sri Lanka and Thailand, a Representative of Myanmar and Secretary General of BIMSTEC. The 2nd Retreat of BIMSTEC FMs was held on 11-12 July 2024 in New Delhi.t was also hosted by India and chaired by Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. 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.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh is eagerly anticipating the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Bangladesh, an event that promises to further enhance the momentum of bilateral relations between the two countries. "We also look forward to celebrating 50 years of our diplomatic ties, marked by cultural exchanges, business delegations, and high-level visits that will undoubtedly solidify our enduring partnership," he said while speaking at a reception marking the Saudi National Day at the country's embassy in Dhaka. Hossain said they deeply appreciate the remarkable contributions of Saudi Ambassador  Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan in strengthening the bilateral ties and warmly welcomed his successor, assuring him of full cooperation in advancing the partnership. The Adviser extended his heartfelt wishes for continued peace, prosperity, and progress for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "May our friendship continue to flourish." Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast partner in Bangladesh’s development journey. Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has partnered Bangladesh in implementing several infrastructure projects over the years. "We express our deep gratitude for the Kingdom for employing around 3 million of our workers, both semi-skilled and unskilled, who are contributing to both of our economies," said Hossain. The proposal for establishing a Joint Task Force on labor issues reflects the shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, a testament to common values of social justice, he said. The two way trade has exceeded $2 billion annually in recent years. Bangladesh sources strategic goods like petroleum products and minerals, fertilizer etc. from Saudi Arabia to keep the economy moving.   Recently, Bangladesh is drawing increasing attention from Saudi businessmen and investors who are showing keen interest to invest here, said the Adviser.

Bangladesh and Nepal have discussed cooperation in different areas including trade, commerce, hydropower and people-to-people level collaboration in particular in the area of education. The two sides agreed to work together to address challenges as both the countries are slated to graduate to developing country status. Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari met Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues. The Ambassador congratulated the Foreign Secretary on assuming this new responsibility. Both the Foreign Secretary and the Ambassador expressed satisfaction at the meeting held in New York between thr Chief Adviser of Bangladesh and the Prime Minister of Nepal on the sidelines of the UNGA, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador of Nepal mentioned about the excellent bilateral relations between Nepal and Bangladesh and underscored the importance of enhanced economic engagement between the two countries. Both sides underscored the need to work closely at SAARC, BIMSTEC and other regional and multilateral fora.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon has urged Bangladeshi expatriates to prioritise their safety amid the ongoing conflict in the country. "In the current situation, please remain safe in your locations. If you face any problems, notify us immediately; we are committed to providing you with the support you need," said Bangladesh Ambassador in Beirut, Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanveer Khan, in a video message early Sunday. The ambassador requested expatriates seeking shelter to contact the embassy’s helpline and hotline numbers without delay. The front desk number is 71217139, the hotline number is 70635278, and the helpline number is 81744207. For email inquiries, please write to [email protected] According to the ambassador, the situation in Lebanon has significantly worsened over the past four to five days, with various areas in Beirut experiencing law enforcement issues, gunfire, road blockages, vandalism, and other security incidents. Last night, the mission advised expatriates in the Dahieh area and nearby regions to evacuate promptly to safer locations and expressed gratitude to those who heeded the advice. The ambassador also extended his heartfelt thanks to those who are assisting fellow expatriates in need of food and shelter. “Additionally, many social organizations among the expatriates have stepped in to help, and I extend my sincere thanks to them,” he said. The ambassador mentioned that the embassy is actively gathering information about those who have left their workplaces and residences for safer areas, assuring that assistance will be provided as much as possible. "We will do everything we can to help you reach a relatively safe location," he added. In addition, the embassy has been consistently updating authorities in Dhaka about the severity of the situation in Lebanon and the needs of distressed expatriates, added the ambassador. In previous communications, the embassy has periodically alerted expatriates to seek refuge in safer areas during the escalating situation in southern Lebanon. Finally, he urged everyone to stay away from rumors and called for unity, patience, and courage in supporting those in distress.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori on Sunday said different ICT related companies of Japan are willing to recruit  talented and skilled human resources from Bangladesh. The Ambassador said this when he met Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan at the latter’s office at the university today, said a press release. Iwama Kiminori expressed his willingness to provide employment opportunities for those students of DU Computer Science and Engineering Department who know Japanese Language. He also sought cooperation from Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan to establish  a ‘Children’s Library’ at the National Museum of Bangladesh under a project run by internationally renowned Japanese Architect Mr. Tadao Ando. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of DU Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha and Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury were present on this occasion. During the meeting they exchanged views regarding establishment of a  ‘Children’s Library’ for further strengthening the existing friendly relationship between Bangladesh and Japan. Important and rare books of Japan and Bangladeshi poets, writers and artists will be displayed at the library. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan assured the Japanese Ambassador of providing all possible cooperation and support in this regard. They also discussed matters of mutual interest specially the possibilities of strengthening ongoing joint collaborative academic and research programs among the University of Dhaka and different universities in Japan. They stressed the need for exchange of teachers and students among DU and different Japanese universities. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan thanked the Japanese Ambassador for his visit to and keen interest in undertaking joint collaborative academic and research programs with Dhaka University.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) has expressed its condolences over the death of journalist Badiul Alam. He was a former member of DCAB and served for several executive committees. Alam, who had been suffering from multiple illness,  passed away at his residence on Sunday. In a statement, DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu remembered Badiul Alam as a beloved colleague and cherished member of DCAB. The DCAB leaders prayed for his departed soul and expressed their deep sympathy to his bereaved family.

UN Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima has met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and assured him of her office’s full support for Bangladesh's smooth transition toward LDC graduation. The meeting was held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. "I commended Bangladesh for its longstanding support to UNOHRLLS’s work and strong commitment to LDC issues," she said, adding that it was an honour to meet the chief adviser. They discussed Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) implementation. Rabab Fatima was appointed as the Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in August 2022 by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.  

Eighty-five Bangladeshi nationals have arrived in Cox’s Bazar from Myanmar early Sunday after they were freed from jails. The returnees were carried by Myanmar Naval Ship ‘UMS Chin Dwin’ which is visiting Bangladesh to bring back members of Myanmar defence force who were forced to cross the border into Bangladesh due to conflict in Rakhine state. The ship, which left for Bangladesh on Saturday from Sittwe port in Rakhine of Myanmar, reached Cox’s Bazar carrying the returnees. Out of the 85 returnees, 26 were in Mawlamyine prison, 16 in Pathein prison, 3 in Kyaikmaraw prison, and the rest are from Rakhine, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar. Most of the returnees (56) are from Cox’s Bazar, Narayanganj, Narsingdi district, and others are from Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Noakhali and Dhaka. It has become possible to send another batch of Bangladeshi nationals to their families back home due to steadfast efforts of the Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon and the Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe, said the embassy.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Dhaka early Sunday, concluding a productive visit marked by a series of high-level meetings with global leaders. Prof Yunus and his delegation arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:32 am on a Qatar Airways commercial flight. Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Yunus upon his arrival at the airport. During his four-day stay in New York, Prof Yunus participated in over 40 major events on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, told UNB. Alam said the chief adviser attended the highest 16 events on September 26 and met at least 12 global leaders, including US President Joe Biden. The Chief Adviser has called upon the international community to engage with the "new Bangladesh", which aims to realise freedom and democracy for everyone. The call came from Yunus' address to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his first since a student-led upsurge brought him at the helm of Bangladesh's interim government last month. Speaking in Bangla, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said youths in Bangladesh have shown that upholding freedom, dignity, and rights of people regardless of distinction and status cannot just remain aspirational. "It is just what everyone deserves." Prof Yunus invited all countries across the world to deepen their engagement with Bangladesh in its quest for democracy, the rule of law, equality, and prosperity. "This was an epoch-making speech," said the Press Secretary, adding that the speech covered global and regional issues apart from Bangladesh issues. Earlier, Chief Adviser Yunus reached New York on September 23, Monday night (NY Time) to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with a series of high-profile meetings lined up on the sidelines of the UNGA including a meeting with US President Joe Biden.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Indian nations who intruded into Bangladesh territory allegedly in drunken state with a pickup van through Bhomra land port in Satkhira early Saturday. The detainees are pickup driver Prokash Sarkar, 39, son of Suranjan Sarkar and his helper Dilu Sarkar, 20, son of Bidhu Sarkar, both hail from Gourangonagar village in Uttar-24 Pargana district of West Bengal. According to a media release signed by Lt. Col Md Ashraful Haque, commandant of the BGB-33 Battalion in Satkhira, the pickup van ploughed into the Integrated Checkpost (ICP) gate at the port, three road dividers, a crossing gate and one motorbike around 12:20am. Noticing this, a team of the BGB led by on-duty Nayek Md Jihad detained them and seized the vehicle, he said. Around 1:30am, a meeting was held between BGB’s Bhomra Commandant Afzal Hossain and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Nabin Kumar in this regard. The BGB strongly registered a protest.  In response, the BSF official expressed regret for this saying that the drunken people damaged three to four motorbikes and broke two ICP gates there. A process was underway to hand them over to the police station concerned to take legal action in this regard, the release added.