United News of Bangladesh

Japan has shown keen interest in financing specific projects, particularly emphasizing disaster resilience and green financing through JICA, said Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Tuesday. Ambassador Kiminori expressed his country’s keenness while he was engaged in a productive discussion with Saber Hossain at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Both parties expressed anticipation for future projects and programs, with Ambassador Kiminori reaffirming Japan's unwavering support for Bangladesh's endeavors to combat climate change and bolster resilience to its impacts. Bangladesh's annual funding requirement is of $9 billion for climate change initiatives, with the government presently allocating $3 billion, resulting in a substantial shortfall of $6 billion, said Saber. Stressing the pivotal role of assistance from institutions like the ADB and World Bank, he highlighted the necessity for both multilateral and bilateral cooperation, noting Bangladesh's efficient utilization of available funds to address national needs, he said. The dialogue between Ambassador Kiminori and Minister Chowdhury encompassed bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation, sustainable forestry practices, and climate change mitigation strategies. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the enduring friendship between Japan and Bangladesh through collaborative efforts in tackling pressing environmental challenges. Discussions delved into the preservation of biodiversity, water bodies, natural resources, disaster management, climate change adaptation, as well as initiatives like the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan and the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership and Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. In the realm of economic collaboration, the meeting also touched upon Japanese companies' initiatives in promoting power plants and other projects in Bangladesh. The meeting concluded with the shared commitment of Japan and Bangladesh to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation in environmental conservation efforts, echoing the enduring bonds of friendship and partnership between the two nations.

State Minister for Planning Shahiduzzaman Sarker on Tuesday emphasised the collective commitment towards building a greener and more inclusive future for Bangladesh. He was speaking at a seminar titled "Inclusive Green Business and the Situation of Northern Chars in Bangladesh" as the chief guest. The state minister unveiled the findings of a crucial research study – a situational analysis of the riverine islands conducted by GreenTech Foundation Bangladesh with support from Cordaid Bangladesh and the SONGO project. The research focused on the Rangpur division, particularly Kurigram (covering Chilmari, Char Rajibpur and Raumari Upazila) and Gaibandha (Sadar, Fulchhari, Sundarganj Upazila) districts, analyzing the specific challenges faced by communities residing on sandbars, riverine chars, and island chars. By understanding their vulnerabilities, the potential for green inclusive development can be explored to create sustainable economic opportunities while protecting the environment. The seminar brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture that prioritize environmental stewardship, social equity and economic prosperity. Representatives from various sectors with a common purpose – advancing sustainable development and ensuring community well-being joined the seminar. The seminar, jointly organized by Cordaid Bangladesh and GreenTech Foundation, in collaboration with the Sustained Opportunities for Nutrition Governance (SONGO) project funded by the European Union, brought together delegates from prominent organizations, including the European Union, GIZ, USAID, UNDP, ADB, JICA, and other esteemed INGOs and NGOs. Major Gen. (Retd.) Salah Uddin Miaji, MP, member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, highlighted the critical need to address the challenges faced by these regions. Team Leader- Green Inclusive Development and Social Protection, EU Delegation to Bangladesh Edwin Koekkoek, reiterated the EU's commitment as a key partner in pursuing sustainable development. Deputy Head of Mission, Kingdom of the Netherlands Thijs Woudstra, representing a nation championing environmental responsibility and social equity, emphasised the importance of fostering inclusive green businesses. Programme specialist at UNDP Bangladesh Arif M Faisal underscored the necessity of inclusive and sustainable development strategies. “We’re committed to supporting Bangladesh's efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive development for all,” said the EU in a message.

Iranian scholar Prof Dr Sayed Mahdi Mousavi distributed Iranian scholar Prof Dr Sayed Mahdi Mousavi has distributed food aid to the Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar camp. On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Prof Mousavi distributed the food items to the Rohingyas this week who have taken refuge in Bangladesh after being persecuted in Myanmar. During the food distribution ceremony, the Iranian delegation said that Iran's support to the Rohingya Muslims who have taken refuge in Bangladesh will continue. The Rohingyas faced a massive crisis in August 2017. Since then, Iran's assistance to these stateless people has continued, said the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday. White talking to UNB recently, Prof Mousavi, Chairman of the University of Religions and Denominations of Iran, said he believes that it is not a local or national crisis but an international crisis. “All the countries, especially Muslim countries, should come forward and think about this problem.” “We should be very thankful to Bangladesh because it has accepted so many refugees from Myanmar despite its own challenges,” he said. Unfortunately, Prof Mousavi said, they see that support for the refugees is decreasing. "All the Muslim countries should take a decision about the refugees from Myanmar. Bangladesh cannot alone take the decision. Because it is an international crisis, it is not a crisis created by Bangladesh,” he said.

The Bangladesh government has expanded the coverage of the pilot employment injury scheme to include compensation for accidents that may occur when workers are commuting to and from work. The Governance Board of the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) Pilot during its 8th meeting held on May 13 unanimously approved the inclusion of ‘commuting accidents’ as industrial accidents, making them eligible for compensation starting from July 1, 2024. “We are very pleased to include commuting accidents in the Employment Injury Scheme Pilot to ensure protection of industries and workers in Bangladesh,” said Md Mahbub Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) chairing the meeting. The decision was unanimously supported by employers' organizations (BEF, BGMEA, BKMEA), workers' organizations (UFGW, NCCWE), and government agencies (Central Fund, DoL, DIFE), who are members of the EIS Pilot Governance Board, according to ILO. “Since June 21, 2022, the EIS Pilot has been compensating injured workers and the dependents of deceased workers in the ready-made garments sector for work-related accidents,” said Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO’s Country Director for Bangladesh. With this inclusion of commuting accidents, the initiative is expected to provide enhanced protection to workers and improve industrial relations, which are often disrupted by accidents involving workers on their way to or from work, Poutiainen said. ILO technical experts provided insights into key aspects of the technical and financial aspects of such an expansion, including conditions for considering commuting accidents as workplace accidents but keeping separate records as these accidents take place outside the factory and not identifying them with any factory. Additionally, they presented a strong case for the financial sustainability of the coverage of accidents under the EIS Pilot. Employers’ associations responded positively saying; “we support fundamental rights of workers for social protection and would be happy to consider new benefits provided they do not affect the industry’s competitiveness,” agreeing to include commuting accidents under the pilot scheme from 1st July 2024. The workers’ representatives also expressed their commitment to support the initiative. “RMG Sector is a relatively safe sector, however, road travel is the most horrible part of this job, therefore commuting accidents are important to be covered”. Article 7 of the ILO Employment Injury Benefits Convention No. 121 (C-121) requires countries to define industrial accidents, including the conditions under which a commuting accident is considered to be an industrial accident. Adapting this measure brings the Bangladesh EIS one-step in closer alignment with the requirements outlined in C -121. In the ambit of the EIS Pilot, commuting accidents are considered accidents sustained while on the direct way between the place of work and the workers’ local residence. With the inclusion of commuting accidents in the EIS Pilot, the Pilot now covers two out of three recommended vulnerabilities, with ‘Occupational Diseases’ is yet to be covered. A process has however started to develop the national capacity and data on occupational diseases. ILO and GIZ are jointly providing technical support to the Government of Bangladesh, employers’, and workers’ organizations in implementing the Employment Injury Scheme Pilot. The ILO initiative is funded by the Governments of the Netherlands and Canada, whereas the GIZ initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Mustafizur Rahman has said legendary Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore was a versatile genius who contributed immensely to literature, art, music, education, culture and social reform. He said Tagore was a prominent voice against colonization and always advocated for a more inclusive and egalitarian society which even continues today to inspire people around the world generation after generation. He also expressed gratitude to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for adopting Rabindranath Tagore’s “Amar Sonar Bangla” as the national anthem of Bangladesh. Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi celebrated the 163rd birth anniversary of legendary Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore on Monday. As a part of the celebration, the High Commission organised a solo musical rendition by the renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Rezwana Choudhury Bannya at the Bangabandhu Hall of the High Commission. With a soulful voice, astounding proficiency and undying passion, Bannya’s performance captivated the audience. Bannya has recently received Padma Shri Award from the Government of India. A sumptuous dinner with Bangladeshi delicacies was served after the cultural evening. High officials from the host government, members of civil society, journalists and members of the Bengali Community attended the programme.

Bangladesh has underlined the importance of admission of more Bangladeshi students by Irish Universities and recruiting meritorious Bangladeshi IT professionals in the Irish tech industry under the European Union (EU) talent partnerships. Bangladesh and Ireland held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Dublin on Monday at the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and signed the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Biennial Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Bangladesh and Ireland. This would be the first time any agreement has been signed in the 52 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Ireland. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh delegation while his Irish counterpart Secretary-General Joseph Hackett led the Ireland delegation. Bangladesh Ambassador to Ireland Saida Muna Tasneem attended the FOC along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka and Bangladesh High Commission, London. The two countries further underscored the need for opening embassies in their respective capitals at the earliest to maximize the potentials of emerging bilateral collaborations, according to Bangladesh High Commission in London. The two sides also discussed future climate cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally including the loss and damage fund, adaptation, and investments into renewable energy especially offshore wind energy plants in Bangladesh. They also discussed regional and international issues including the situation in Gaza, Ukraine war and Rohingya crisis. Commenting on the talks, Foreign Secretary Momen told local media, “I had a very fruitful discussion with my Irish counterpart Ambassador Joe Hackett covering the entire gamut of our bilateral relations including political and humanitarian support demonstrated by the Irish people and politicians during our War of Liberation in 1971.” He said they explored new opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, gainful employment, migration and mobility and welfare of nearly 20 thousand Bangladeshis living in Ireland. The Foreign Secretary also paid tribute to former Irish Foreign Minister Seán MacBride who created an inquiry commission seeking justice on the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Recalling the very recent official visit of Irish Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Simon Coveney TD to Bangladesh on the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day, Secretary General Joe reiterated the commitment of the Irish government towards forward-looking and positive engagements with Bangladesh including in the areas of trade, investment, recruitment of health professionals and climate change. The Irish Secretary General praised the tremendous growth and socio-economic progress achieved by Bangladesh over the past decade and a half under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and thanked her for her extraordinary humanitarian gesture of hosting more than a million Rohingyas from Myanmar. Secretary General Hackett looked forward to visiting Bangladesh for the second Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh government has strongly condemned the recent attacks by Israeli settlers on a Jordanian humanitarian convoy that was delivering aid to Gaza through the Beit Hanoun Crossing. The convoy, targeted while carrying essential supplies meant for civilians, has sparked international concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its firm support and solidarity with the Jordanian efforts, emphasizing the need for the Israeli authorities to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid.  UK's BII supports MSMEs, women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh with $50m debt commitment to BRAC Bank "As we express our support and solidarity with the Jordanian government in their endeavours to serve humanity through its humanitarian aid, we call upon Israeli Occupation Authorities to allow unhindered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza as enshrined in International Humanitarian Law,” stated the ministry on Tuesday. The Foreign Ministry further stressed the obligation of the Israeli Occupation authorities to curb the violence instigated by settlers and to safeguard humanitarian missions. It is the responsibility of the Israeli Occupation authorities to put an end to these settlers’ violence and to protect humanitarian convoys, the ministry asserted. Additionally, Bangladesh highlighted the imperative for all signatory parties to adhere strictly to International Humanitarian Law, which mandates the rapid and unimpeded passage of all humanitarian aid, regardless of the circumstances.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu arrived here on Tuesday (May 14, 2024) to "strengthen bilateral cooperation" and to demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. In Bangladesh, he will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to talk about deepening Bangladesh-US cooperation, including deepening the economic ties in ways that the two countries can collaborate further to address climate issues, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel. Lu is here as part of his tri-nation tour of the region. He earlier visited India and Sri Lanka. This is also his first visit to Bangladesh after Awami League won the January 7 elections to form government for the third straight term. UK's BII supports MSMEs, women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh with $50m debt commitment to BRAC Bank "He is there to strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and to demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Patel said from Washington.

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution (DFI) and impact investor, has announced a loan commitment of $50 million to BRAC Bank, a leading SME bank in Bangladesh. The loan will provide vital funding to support growth of micro-, small- and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women-led businesses – the bedrock of Bangladesh’s economy. Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, said, “I am delighted that the British International Investment (BII) is backing BRAC Bank to fund micro-, small- and medium enterprises and women-led businesses." She said this will enable small businesses and female entrepreneurs in Bangladesh to take up more economic opportunities and create more jobs. EPG continues deliberations on future direction of BIMSTEC "This investment reinforces the UK’s commitment to support inclusive and sustainable development in Bangladesh and is a great demonstration of the UK’s modern economic partnership with Bangladesh," said the High Commissioner. Mohammad Rehan Rashid, Country Director, Bangladesh at BII said, “We are proud to work with BRAC Bank again with a bigger mandate to support small businesses and women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh." "Since we made our first investment in BRAC Bank in 2019, we have been looking to increase lending for inclusion in Bangladesh and with trusted partners like BRAC Bank, we can reach more people that need our support the most and are truly instrumental in driving the country’s progress and prosperity,” he added. Selim R. F. Hussain, Managing Director & CEO, BRAC Bank, said as an MSME focused bank, ensuring easy access to credit to grassroots entrepreneurs and women business owners is a priority for BRAC Bank. "BII’s commitment will help BRAC Bank expand credit facilities to MSMEs and women-led businesses enabling them to solidify businesses. The loan will help micro-entrepreneurs expand product basket, penetrate new marketplace and create jobs invigorating rural economy. Our strong partnership with the UK’s development finance institution aims to create opportunities for the unserved and underserved businesses. The injection of $50 million from BII will also ameliorate foreign exchange position of Bangladesh,” he added. There are around 10 million MSMEs in Bangladesh, employing roughly 80 percent of the population and responsible for half of the country’s industrial output. The central bank of Bangladesh recognises the segment as indispensable for overall economic development in the country and specifically women entrepreneurs as crucial for attaining sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. France to provide assistance to Bangladesh in installing lightning prevention devices: State Minister However, access to finance has been a major challenge, with only 20 percent of total loans in the country going to SMEs, including female-owned enterprises, according to BRAC Bank’s data. Half of BII’s loan will be directed to MSMEs and the other half will target women entrepreneurs qualified under the 2X criteria, with an expectation to reach up to 3,500 MSMEs and women entrepreneurs in total and accelerate their business growth. BRAC Bank has served 1.5 million MSMEs since its establishment in 2001 and expects to grow its loan book. It is sponsored by BRAC NGO, a leading non-government organisation with a mandate for impact investment and financial inclusion. This investment supports UN SDG 5 on Gender Equality, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, as well as SDG9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.  

The fourth meeting of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) on future directions of BIMSTEC will be held in Dhaka on June 23-25. The first and second meetings were held in Dhaka on January 25 and March 11-12 respectively. The EPG is committed to submit its report to BIMSTEC leaders at the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit. The 3rd meeting of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) on Future Directions of BIMSTEC was held, on May 12-13 at the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, member of EPG from Thailand, which is the current Chair of BIMSTEC. The members of EPG from six BIMSTEC member States participated in the Meeting. Ambassador Dharmapala Weerakkody also participated in the meeting, as the officiating member of EPG from Sri Lanka. The BIMSTEC Secretariat, led by Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, facilitated the Meeting and participated in the EPG’s deliberations. During the two-dayMeetinmeeting, the EPG engaged in discussions on Bangkok Vision 2030; alignment of the BIMSTEC’s Agenda with the Agenda 2030 of Sustainable Development Goals; and the current status of regional cooperation within BIMSTEC in Sectors such as agriculture and food security, people-to-people contact and connectivity. The EPG held interactions with the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of BIMSTEC member States in Dhaka as well as the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee. The EPG also met in a retreat session. The EPG has been entrusted with the task of making recommendations to reform, revitalise and repurpose BIMSTEC in order to foster a prosperous, resilient and developed Bay of Bengal region. The establishment of the EPG serves as a testament to BIMSTEC's commitment to take requisite steps to foster and deepen regional cooperation with a view to promote sustainable and security of its member States.