United News of Bangladesh

High Commissioner of the UN refugee agency Filippo Grandi has called for a new approach to the Rohingya crisis, saying that the international communities should do more to end the miseries of more than one million Rohingyas in the camps in Bangladesh. He discussed the Rohingya crisis with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at a New York hotel on Thursday. Grandi said they discussed the unresolved issue of Rohingya refugees — amidst the many challenges posed by the complex transition in Bangladesh."I assured Dr Muhammad Yunus of UNHCR’s full commitment, also to mobilize international support," said.Grandi said the assumption of Professor Yunus as the new leader of Bangladesh has increased global interest in the Rohingya crisis, and he hopes there will be more funding for humanitarian responses. “The 700 million dollars from the World Bank is a good starting point," he said, adding the UN stands ready to support more for the education of the Rohingya children. Professor Yunus stressed the need for finding a quick solution to the crisis and doing more for the future of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya children growing up in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. "We have to resolve this before it is too late. We have to find a solution," the Chief Adviser said. Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organisation, also called on the Chief Adviser at a hotel later on Thursday. Houngbo offered the UN labour agency's support for the Interim Government's move to implement ILO conventions in Bangladesh. “We are at your disposal," he said, adding the ILO would respond to his call "if and when" he needed it. The Chief Adviser said labour reforms are a top priority of his government, as it sees the issue as a key to turning Bangladesh into a world class manufacturing hub. “We are very serious about this," Professor Yunus said, adding that addressing labour issues would draw more foreign direct investment in Bangladesh.

Expressing willingness to become Bangladesh's good partner in its new journey, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday Washington would work together with Bangladesh to help rebuild the country. "We want to be good partners. We will make things work fast for Bangladesh," Seceretary Blinken said when he held a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at a hotel here.  The secretary of state said the US has "tremendous" respect for Prof Yunus, and they admired that he took up the leadership of the country at a critical time for the nation. Yunus said the interim government was tasked with rebuilding the country, and he sought support from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, the IMF, and also the USAID to fix the country's economy and its institutions.  "It has to be done very fast," he said, adding the entire population is "unified" behind his government and was looking forward to rebuilding the country as quickly as they can. Reforms undertaken by the interim government, anti-corruption measures, repatriation of the stolen Bangladesh money stashed abroad, labour issues, trade and economic cooperation, and law and order featured in the talks. Yunus said fighting corruption and improving law and order were the top priorities of the government.  "The country was sunk into an ocean of corruption during the previous regime. This (fighting corruption) is my number one issue," he said.  He sought US support to get back the billions of dollars stolen from the country and syphoned abroad by individuals linked with the previous regime.  "It is a huge amount of money. Unbelievable!!," he said, referring to the laundered assets.  Secretary Blinken offered the US government's support in this regard.  "We are happy to help," the chief adviser's press wing quoted Blinken as saying. "We have a lot of expertise in dealing with endemic corruption," Blinken added .  The chief adviser said improving labour standards was one of the government's top goals, as this would pave the way for more foreign direct investment in the country. Secretary Blinken said the US is the largest source of foreign investment in Bangladesh, and he hoped it would grow in the coming years.  They also discussed the UN fact finding mission investigating atrocities during the July-August uprising and media freedom.  Yunus said his government has upheld freedom of speech and freedom of the press. He said he has asked the media to criticise them "as best as they can.". The chief adviser said the government is committed to maintaining racial harmony in the country.  "All Bangladesh is a big family. We have differences. But we are not enemies," he said.  The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis, with the chief adviser seeking support for hundreds of thousands of young Rohingya children growing up in the camps in Bangladesh.  They discussed the importance of building strong institutions to fight corruption, uphold media freedom, respect internationally recognised labour rights, and protect human rights for all in Bangladesh, including Rohingya refugees and members of minority communities.  He also indicated U.S. support for free and fair elections, which will chart an inclusive, democratic, and equitable future for all Bangladeshis, said Spokesperson Matthew Miller after the meeting.  The secretary underscored U.S. support and assistance for the interim government as it guides the country towards economic stability and highlighted the importance of reforms to ensure continued foreign direct investment, Miller said. Blinken met with Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly. The secretary and the chief adviser affirmed their shared vision of deepening the United States-Bangladesh partnership. Earlier, Prof Yunus had a meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Biden and Prof Yunus affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties.  During the meeting on Tuesday, President Biden welcomed further engagement between the two governments.  President Biden offered continued U.S. support as Bangladesh implements its new reform agenda, according to the readout of President Joe Biden’s meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh.  Biden met with Yunus to congratulate him on his recent appointment as the head of the interim government, according to the White House.   This was the first time in the history of Bangladesh that a US President has met the head of the Bangladesh government on the sidelines of UNGA in New York, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing.  It is not usual for a US President to hold bilateral meetings during the UNGA, and Dhaka hoped to see a new strategic partnership that will strengthen the ties with the US on all fronts. 

President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen has assured Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus that "Bangladesh can count on Europe's support" in its reform drive. "We also remain your partner for steady growth and infrastructure development under Global Gateway," she said during a bilateral meeting with Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. "Let’s make the best out of our €400 million Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility," said the European Commission president. The chief adviser also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof on the sidelines of UNGA. Meanwhile, International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at UN headquarters and discussed justice and accountability issues.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan has met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and shared their "common vision" to strengthen Bangladesh-ICC cooperation and ensure accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya. They held the meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA on Thursday. Discussions included the Rohingya genocide and ways and means to file a crime against humanity case against the perpetrators of the July-August massacre, according to chief adviser's Office. Prof Yunus also asked him about the procedure to file a case of crimes against humanity at the ICC against the perpetrators of the massacre during the July-August uprising, which left at least 700 people dead and more than 20,000 injured. Karim Khan said Bangladesh can definitely file a complaint at the Hague-based court, but he said there are rules to be followed for filing a crimes against humanity case at the ICC. Khan appreciated the chief adviser’s three points regarding the Rohingya crisis. During the meeting Karim Khan apprised Prof Yunus of the latest developments on the investigations into the Rohingya deportation launched by the ICC in 2019. He said he would visit Bangladesh by the end of the year. He praised Prof Yunus's three-point proposals to bring a new momentum to resolve the Rohingya crisis. The Chief Adviser made the proposal at a meeting at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday when the ICC chief prosecutor also spoke. The proposals included an urgent conference hosted by the UN chief to review the overall situation and suggest way outs, energised joint response plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and serious international efforts to support justice and accountability to address the genocidal crimes committed in Rakhine in 2017. "The three points are perfect," Karim Khan said. Prof Yunus also met with Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, seeking Dutch support for agricultural transformation, water management, tackling corruption, and implementing reforms. The chief adviser also had a meeting with United States Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday through which he will introduce a new Bangladesh with the global community highlighting his government’s efforts to realise the dreams of the people, specially the youth. Prof Yunus is scheduled to address at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly in between 10am to 11:30am (NY time) and in between 8pm to 9:30pm Bangladesh time on Friday, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The chief adviser would be speaking on the biggest global platform since he took over the role leading the interim government. The Chief Adviser will deliver his speech in Bangla, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB, adding that it would be an epoch-making speech. Apart from giving a background on July-August mass uprising and the role of youth and their dreams of having a better Bangladesh, Prof Yunus is likely to highlight his government’s reforms agenda as he guides the country towards economic stability ensuring equitable future for all Bangladeshis. Prof Yunus' greater engagement on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York is seen as a big opportunity for him to share his government’s priorities following the student-led mass uprising, and economic plans including which areas specifically the international community can be helpful in strengthening and stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said a major political changeover has taken place in Bangladesh and they want to let people know so that no confusion remains regarding what happened in Bangladesh. He said Prof Yunus is highly respected globally and all countries will take his remarks seriously. In his speech, Prof Yunus is expected to present the details of the unimaginable mass uprising that happened in Bangladesh in the last two months and his conviction to build a state system that is people-oriented, welfare-oriented and dedicated to public interest in the coming days. “Besides, Bangladesh's strong position in peacekeeping operations in ensuring international peace and security, climate change and its impact, establishment of climate justice, global conflict, Rohingya crisis, difficulties of developing countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prevention of resource trafficking from developing countries, safe Issues related to immigration, ensuring migrants access to basic services, sustainable transfer of technology in terms of generative artificial intelligence, and Palestine are likely to come up in his speech,” Hossain said. “It goes without saying that the interim government has initiated reforms to build a new Bangladesh. In this context, this session is a new step for new Bangladesh in the United Nations or the world meeting. In this session, we have a great opportunity to present this non-discrimination, justice-based Bangladesh to the world,” Hossain said. On September 26, Prof Yunus attended around 15 meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. He is scheduled to attend at least six events before his departure for Dhaka on Friday night.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed his "total solidarity" with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and the Interim Government, saying the UN stands ready to support reforms in the country. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its ongoing transition and reform processes. He expressed his support when he met the chief adviser at the UN headquarters in New York. They also discussed the Rohingya refugee crisis and the global challenge of climate change. "The country team of the UN will like to support you," Guterres said, adding that the newly adopted UN Pact of the Future was very relevant to Bangladesh and its concessional funding applies to the country. The UN chief praised the Bangladesh peacekeepers, saying "they are very important for us." The chief adviser highlighted the July-August student-led mass uprising, which ended Sheikh Hasina's brutal dictatorship. “I am here because young people gave their lives for a new Bangladesh," he said. They also discussed climate change and its impact on the 170 million people of Bangladesh and the UN-led fact finding mission, which is investigating atrocities committed during the July-August mass uprising. During the meeting, Guterres expressed his gratitude for the strong partnership between the UN and Bangladesh, particularly acknowledging Bangladesh’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts.

Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain on Thursday deposited Bangladesh’s instrument of ratification for the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) at the UNGA High Level Treaty Event. The BBNJ Agreement, adopted by consensus at the UN on 19 June 2023, represents a landmark achievement in the governance of the global commons, aimed at strengthening international legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in maritime areas beyond national jurisdiction through transparent environmental impact assessment and also by supporting capacity-building efforts of developing countries. The BBNJ Agreement will enter into force 120 days after 60 Member States have deposited their instruments of ratification, approval, acceptance, or accession. With the deposit of the instrument of ratification, Bangladesh has now joined the ranks of the pioneering nations that have ratified this vital agreement. Bangladesh actively participated in all stages of the negotiations and made significant contributions to the final text, particularly regarding issues related to Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), the transfer of marine technology, and capacity-building in line with Article 14 of UNCLOS. This ratification underscores Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to international cooperation and regulatory initiatives in marine affairs. As an early ratifier, Bangladesh aspires to pave the way for the swift entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and remains dedicated to its universal and effective implementation.

Seeking partnership in Bangladesh's new journey, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said they are firm to improve the business environment through multi-prong reforms that they have initiated. "I am here to hear from you and open to suggestions to improve our investment climate. We seek your partnership in this new journey," he said in a business luncheon meeting at a hotel here. Chairman of US-Bangladesh Business Council Steven Kobos, President of the Council Ambassador Atul Keshap, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, among others, were present. US-Bangladesh Business Council organized the business event. Bangladesh is not just a market of 170 million people that is fast emerging as one of the top ten consumer markets in the world, but is also strategically located in the proximity of three billion people of South and Southeast Asia and China, Prof Yunus said. "No country is perfect. Neither is Bangladesh. But I see an emerging Bangladesh that is committed to uphold freedom and justice," said the Nobel Laureate who is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the United Nations General Assembly. He told the US business leaders that the United States has long been a key economic and development partner for Bangladesh. "The US is our number one single-country export destination and the top source of our FDI. But the trade basket is unusually narrow," he said. Prof Yunus observed that investment is heavily concentrated in non-risk/low-risk sectors like energy. "As the US looks for its supply-chain diversification under its Indo-Pacific Policy, Bangladesh is strategically positioned to become a significant partner in fulfilling that goal," he said. Prof Yunus said they will do everything to help US businesses grow alongside Bangladesh businesses to diversify the supply chain. In meeting people’s aspirations, this interim government has started working on creating an environment where business can flourish, and entrepreneurs can thrive. "Any business needs stability, predictability and a corruption-free environment," Prof Yunus said. "Therefore, a key priority of our government following restoring the law-and-order situation has been to undertake deeper economic and financial reforms." He said a committee of experts is working on publishing a white paper that should establish the benchmark of the economy and recommend reforms by December end. "We are charting reform paths to address the inherent weaknesses in the revenue sector. Our reform measures are already acknowledged," Prof Yunus said. He said they are open to suggestions from the US business leaders to improve the business environment in Bangladesh. "Motivated workers can do magic for any company. Protecting workers’ rights and improving labour standards is high in the agenda of the interim government," he said. Prof Yunus said they are deeply committed to achieving the ILO specified labour standards in Bangladesh. "We are working with ILO, EU and the US towards implementing the ILO roadmap on improving labour standards," he said. Bangladesh is committed to achieving sustainable and green growth through the mobilization of resources for climate financing and green energy transition. "We are dedicating a significant sum to improve circularity in the economy. Growth without job creation has left many behind. So, our goal is to invest more in education and social sectors rather than in extravagant infrastructure to have a more inclusive economic growth," said Prof Yunus. Describing his dream of a world of zero carbon emission, Prof Yunus said carbon neutral growth demands newer technology and innovative financing. He said Bangladesh’s ambitious goals of reducing carbon emission by 22% by 2030 and to generate 40% of energy from renewable sources by 2041 will create huge opportunities for investments. "Surely, also for many of you in this room, we estimate a need for fresh investment of around 7/8 billion dollars every year for environmentally resilient projects in energy, water, transport, supply chains, and value chains," he said. Prof Yunus said they are looking at a new kind of economy where most activities will be powered digitally. "There are opportunities for technology-transfer partnerships in the production of electric vehicles, green hydrogen, modernized power grids and solar energy, for instance." Alongside commercial business, investment in social business to fight collective challenges like climatic disasters, flood control, public health and other social challenges should present an unconventional opportunity to tap, said the Chief Adviser.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken on Thursday discussed the importance of building strong institutions to fight corruption, uphold media freedom, respect internationally recognized labor rights, and protect human rights for all in Bangladesh, including Rohingya refugees and members of the minority communities. Blinken indicated US support for free and fair elections, which will chart an inclusive, democratic, and equitable future for all Bangladeshis, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said after the meeting. The Secretary underscored US support and assistance for the Interim Government as it guides the country towards economic stability and highlighted the importance of reforms to ensure continued foreign direct investment, Miller said. Secretary Blinken met with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly. The Secretary and the Chief Adviser affirmed their shared vision of deepening the United States-Bangladesh partnership. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus had a meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Biden and Prof Yunus affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. During the meeting on Tuesday, President Biden welcomed further engagement between the two governments. Biden offered continued US support as Bangladesh implements its new reform agenda, according to the readout of his meeting with the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. Biden met with Yunus to congratulate him on his recent appointment as the head of the interim government, according to the White House. This was the first time in the history of Bangladesh that a US President met the head of the Bangladesh government on the sidelines of UNGA in New York, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. Dhaka described the meeting with Secretary Blinken as "fruitful" and said they had discussions on advancing Bangladesh-USA ties, deepening long-term economic-political engagements in "shared interests". Prof Yunus' leadership was applauded.

The Health Ministry on Thursday said that a visiting Chinese Medical Assessment Team has expressed satisfaction with the treatment provided to those injured in the student-led mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. “The Chinese medical team is observing whether we are providing treatment in accordance with international protocols. They are very happy with the standards,” said Dr. Shah Md Helal Uddin, an additional secretary of the ministry, during a press conference. The briefing was held in the conference room of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, as per a PID handout.Invited by the Bangladesh government, the Chinese team quickly arrived and began their work,Helal mentioned. So far, the team has visited 160 patients and reviewed the medical records of 105. While some cases were found to be severe, the ministry is committed to ensuring proper treatment for all. “There will be no lack of cooperation from the Health Ministry to ensure proper care for all injured individuals, including the seriously injured,” the additional secretary assured. He added that efforts will be made to provide the necessary treatment within the country, but if equipment or expertise is insufficient, sending patients abroad may be considered, based on the recommendations of the Chinese team.China dispatched its medical team to Bangladesh within 48 hours of receiving the invitation. The team has already visited five hospitals and made suggestions, though a comprehensive assessment report will be sent after they return to China for consultation with higher authorities and experts. The team is also assessing the equipment capabilities of Bangladeshi hospitals, said Helal.High-ranking ministry officials, including additional secretary ATM Saiful Islam, were present at the press conference.