United News of Bangladesh

The United Nations (UN) has commended the government of Bangladesh for its leadership role in global UN initiatives such as early warning for all, transforming education and the Food Systems Summit, which all progressed in 2023. “The UN’s priorities are fully aligned with the government’s vision, including the essential work needed to prepare for LDC graduation and adapt to climate change," said UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Sunday.  She said their focus in 2024 is on consolidating joint efforts to deliver programmes at scale and strengthen multistakeholder partnerships that can help the government to unlock vital financing for the SDGs, including for climate action.  "We renew our commitment to working with Bangladesh towards a prosperous, climate-resilient future for all Bangladeshis, with gender equality, human rights and Leave No One Behind principles integrated across all our efforts,” added Lewis. Conducting negotiations instead of provocation to find ways for Rohingya repatriation: FM Hasan The government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team held a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting to launch the 2023 UN Country Results Report and discuss 2024 priorities for implementing the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework).  Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, the JSC reviewed the opportunities presented by the Summit of the Future and six key transitions to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of integrated policy, financing and programming at scale, with a focus on Leaving No One Behind.  The bi-annual meeting was co-chaired by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance, and UN Resident Coordinator inBangladesh Gwyn Lewis with the participation of line ministries and UN agencies. The Cooperation Framework covers the period 2022-2026 and outlines United Nations support to Bangladesh to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieve the objectives of the 8th Five-Year Plan across five strategic priorities: inclusive and sustainable economic development; equitable human development and well being; sustainable, healthy and resilient environment; transformative, participatory and inclusive governance and gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence. The 2023 Results Report shows how the United Nations delivered $219 million in development programming under the Cooperation Framework in 2023.  Recent crises show the need to substantially increase investments in health security: Saima Wazed Highlights included 28 million people reached with digital financial services, 250,000 marginalized children reached with remedial education, 268,491 cases resolved through UN-supported village courts, support to 267,600 survivors of gender-based violence, and 3.5 million people assisted to build urban resilience. The UN also worked to support preparations for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, and to support job creation and labour sector reforms, health and education, climate adaptation and disaster risk management, with gender equality as a key cross-cutting issue.  UN agencies presented policy and programming priorities for the United Nations in 2024 across the five strategic  priorities, with a special focus on climate and environment.  “We express our gratitude to the United Nations for providing today's comprehensive review of the accomplishments in 2023 and engaging in a productive dialogue regarding development priorities for the  upcoming year," said Siddiky. As Bangladesh progresses towards LDC graduation and lays the groundwork for the 9th Fiveyear Plan, he said they anticipate sustaining our collaborative efforts with the UN, fostering a deepened partnership  that includes active involvement in the Summit of the Future.  "Climate action and adaptation remain paramount for Bangladesh, and we deeply appreciate the UN's dedicated support to the country to further strengthen our endeavors in this crucial area.,” he added. The next meeting of the JSC will be held in November 2024.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said Bangladesh has been following the path of "negotiations" through diplomatic channels avoiding provocations from Myanmar and other international actors. "There were provocations from Myanmar and other international actors. We did not step into those provocations. Rather, we have taken the path of negotiations. We are following the diplomatic path to seek a solution to the crisis and repatriation is the only solution," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at Jatiya Press Club. Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB) hosted the discussion titled “Rohingya Crisis: The Future Road Ahead” marking its 45th founding anniversary.   Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs and member of parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs Md. Shahriar Alam spoke as the special guest where former OCAB President and UNB Editor Farid Hossain delivered a keynote speech.

The Government of Bangladesh has expressed deep concerns over the mob violence on the night of May 17, 2024 in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. “We have conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan. Our students also came under attack but no one was severely injured,” Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters today (May 19, 2024). He said they are closely monitoring the situation through the Embassy in Uzbekistan, concurrently accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic. Read more: South Asian students, inc Bangladeshis, endure night of horrors in Kyrgyz capital The Embassy is in constant communication with Bangladeshi students who are currently studying in Kyrgyzstan, as well as with Kyrgyz government officials. There are no reports of any serious injury or casualty among Bangladeshi students so far. Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Panicked Bangladeshi students want to return home for a few weeks The Embassy has already shared an emergency contact number on its official Facebook page. Through the Embassy in Uzbekistan, the government is coordinating with the relevant authorities of Kyrgyzstan, including the ministries of foreign affairs and internal affairs, to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi students. “We are closely and constantly monitoring the developments. We have asked our Ambassador stationed in Tashkent to visit Bishkek soon to inquire about the wellbeing of Bangladeshi students,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Mob attack in Kyrgyzstan: Pakistan repatriates 140 students from Bishkek

Though the situation in the Kyrgyzstan capital is “under control,” as per the local authorities, panicked Bangladeshi students want to return home for a few weeks. They want to attend regular classes online for the time being. “The situation is under control. We are trying to return to Bangladesh, but we do not have a flight schedule. All Bangladeshi students are trying to return home for the time being,” Bangladeshi medical student Samia Kabir told UNB. She said the university authorities told them that their classes would be conducted online. Mob Violence in Kyrgyzstan: What We know So far Regarding their exams, Samia said that the university authorities will issue a notice soon. She also said students from other countries are also leaving Kyrgyzstan. “Even though the situation is under control, we still don’t feel safe here. It would be better if chartered flights can be arranged soon,” Samia said. Speaking on the subject, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters today, “We have conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan. Our students also came under attack, but no one was severely injured.” The Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan, concurrently accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic, has said the situation in Kyrgyzstan is under control, as per information released by the relevant state authorities. South Asian students, inc Bangladeshis, endure night of horrors in Kyrgyz capital However, Bangladeshi students have been advised to stay indoor for the moment and get in touch with the embassy for any issue in this regard at the following 24x7 emergency number: +998930009780. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan is in communication with Bangladeshi students in Kyrgyzstan, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Saturday night. The embassy is also in touch with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter. “Till now, we have information that Bangladeshis are unhurt,” a Bangladeshi diplomat stationed in Uzbekistan told UNB. Read more: “Conveyed our concerns to Kyrgyzstan; no Bangladeshi student severely injured”: Foreign Minister

Health officials from across the WHO South-East Asia Region, along with experts from WHO and partner agencies, met in Paro, Bhutan this week and discussed a new regional strategic action framework for engaging communities and building their resilience for public health emergencies and addressing other health challenges at the annual Regional Forum on Community Engagement and Resilience. Strengthening WHO’s engagement with communities to enhance health outcomes and protect against emergencies is a top priority of Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia. “Recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown the need to substantially increase investments in health security and health system resilience for emergencies. In this context, risk communication, and infodemic management, undertaken through the agency of engaged and empowered communities, is the cornerstone of enhancing community resilience,” said the Regional Director. She also underscored the importance of these public health interventions, emphasizing that, “these are the only ones available before countermeasures and prophylactics are available.” WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed calls for collaborative health leadership in South-East Asia Tandin Wangchuk, Minister of Health of the Royal Government of Bhutan, addressed participants during the forum’s opening session. He said, “It has become clear that risk communication and infodemic management and the active role that various actors in a community can play, in an often complicated and perplexing information ecosystem, are truly imperative constituents of a comprehensive response to health emergencies.” Over the three-day event, health officials and experts reviewed the draft 'Strategic Action Framework for Enhancing Community Engagement and Resilience to Health Emergencies in the WHO South-East Asia Region (2024-2027)'. The strategic action framework aims to guide community-centered approaches to health emergency risk management. Realising the right to health for all means creating conditions where everyone, everywhere can access high quality health facilities: Saima Wazed Prior to the deliberations on the new strategic action framework, officials and health experts attended an in-depth and operational two-day training on infodemic management. Infodemics are caused by an overabundance of information –­ regardless of accuracy ­– during disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Managing infodemics requires a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach that involves identifying and addressing public concerns, filling information gaps, combating misinformation and disinformation, and working closely with partners and communities. “Actively involving communities in decision-making processes ensures that interventions are acceptable, accessible, and sustainable. Central to this should be using locally crafted solutions for local needs, specific to local socio-economic realities and health vulnerabilities,” the Regional Director said. The WHO South-East Asia Region, home to over a quarter of the global population, faces a multitude of health emergencies including infectious diseases and natural disasters. WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed reaffirms commitment to support strengthening health sector resilience Environmental factors exacerbate these challenges, leading to a higher prevalence of respiratory and vector-borne illnesses. Additionally, the Region grapples with a rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, further straining healthcare resources during crises.

The Embassy of Japan and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy jointly organized "Shodo Workshop - The Art of Japanese Calligraphy" at the National Art Gallery of Shilpakala Academy on Saturday. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori and his wife attended the workshop. Syeda Mahbuba Karim Mini, director of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, welcomed all the participants while Satoko Azuma, a Japanese calligraphy artist, conducted the calligraphy workshop. Azuma delivered a lecture on the philosophy of Japanese calligraphy and demonstrated calligraphy with a giant brush. Ambassador Iwama said, "Shodo literally means 'the way of writing', which is actually the art of writing characters on paper with brush and ink. It is one of the most highly regarded, and profoundly traditional art forms in Japan, having been developed and practised since the 5th century. Shodo requires diverse techniques accompanied by a flow of brush and ink, essentially with an inner spiritual concentration."

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan, concurrently accredited to the Kyrgyz Republic, has said the situation in Kyrgyzstan is under control of the law enforcing agencies, as per information released by the relevant state authorities. However, the Bangladeshi students have been advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy for any issues in this regard at the following 24x7 emergency number: +998930009780. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan is in communication with Bangladeshi students, currently studying in Kyrgyz Republic, regarding the recent incident of mob violences in Bishkek, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Saturday night. The Embassy is also in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyz Republic on this matter. "Till now, the information we have that Bangladeshis are unhurt," a Bangladeshi diplomat stationed in Uzbekistan told UNB.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched its new “Bangladesh Climate Smart Livestock” project to enhance efficiency, promote climate resilience, and foster sustainable innovations in the livestock sector. USDA through the Food for Progress Program is investing over $34 million in this project over five years and will work closely with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute to achieve sustainable results. “We are excited to launch this innovative project. This project will simultaneously help smallholder livestock producers increase production and improve their livelihoods, while also reducing methane emissions,” said USDA Agricultural Attache Sarah Gilleski on Saturday. This will show that climate change adaptation and mitigation do not need to come at a cost to agricultural production, Sarah said. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman spoke as the chief guest at the project launching ceremony. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. The United States is committed to supporting Bangladesh implement climate-smart agricultural practices to help Bangladesh adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, it said. This innovative new project will significantly boost livestock productivity, improve market access, and implement climate-smart practices across 16 targeted districts, ultimately benefiting over 250,000 livestock farmers, said the US Embassy. The project will introduce advanced production technologies, improve animal health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Bangladesh's national climate goals. By linking producers to end buyers and increasing access to investment capital, the project aims to grow livestock sales by $940 million over its five-year period.

Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen has sought support from the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford to establish a vaccine centre in Bangladesh. He recently visited the university where the AstraZeneca vaccine was developed during the Covid pandemic. During the visit, the minister met with the Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, Professor Sir Andrew Pollard F MedSci, and discussed opportunities for establishing cooperation to create a National Vaccine Project in Bangladesh for producing vaccines in the country, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday. The health minister highlighted the Bangladesh government's vision under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to provide high-quality health services for all. He also mentioned that her government aims to establish a vaccine centre in Bangladesh to produce vaccines. Global issues require global solutions, says UK Minister for Countering Illegal Migration Taking note of all the points raised by Minister Sen, Sir Andrew Pollard assured him of all cooperation in developing vaccines in Bangladesh. The minister visited the drug discovery unit at Oxford University, where he met with senior researchers and high-ranking officials. They discussed the potential for establishing a laboratory in Bangladesh for large-scale industrial production of vaccines. They also talked about collaborating to provide training to scientists, doctors, and health professionals. The Minister met with Professor Sir David Warrell, a leading figure in tropical medicine and the founding director of the Centre for Tropical Medicine in Thailand at the invitation of the Thai king. They discussed the prospect of producing antivenom in Bangladesh under EDCL to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Young researchers from Bangladesh who are studying in Oxford also attended the meeting. Bangladesh, UK sign SOPs on returns Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK accompanied the Health Minister during the visit and the meetings. Health Minister Dr Sen was in the UK on an official visit to attend the Conference on “International Response to Antimicrobial Resistance,” organised by the UK Government and the Royal Society.

British Minister for Countering Illegal Migration Michael Tomlinson has said Bangladesh is a valued partner and it is fantastic that their ties with Bangladesh are being bolstered to promote regular migration and a range of other issues.   "Global issues require global solutions and I look forward to working with Bangladesh and other partners to create a fairer system for all," he said.  The British government has signed a new agreement with Bangladesh to speed up the removal of migrants with no right to be in the country. "We have already seen clear evidence that these agreements have a significant impact on illegal migration," said the British Minister.  Speeding up removals is a vital part of our plan to stop people from coming or staying here illegally, he said.  Bangladesh, UK discuss ways to strengthen health sector cooperation At the first Joint Working Group on Home Affairs in London, both countries committed to strengthening their partnership and intensifying cooperation on economic, cultural and social issues.