United News of Bangladesh

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday called for opening a "new page" in the relations between Rome and Dhaka, saying Italians are friends of Bangladesh. "Let's try to open a new page in our relationship," said the Italian Prime Minister when she met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sideline of the annual UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters. Prof Yunus gave a brief outline of the student-led mass uprising, which he said has created new opportunities in Bangladesh, pressing "the reset button" for the entire nation. Meloni said Italy would support the Professor Yunus-led Interim Government in its move to carry out vital reforms in key sectors. "Absolutely, you can count on us," she was quoted by the Chief Adviser's press wing as saying. The Chief Adviser has urged the Italian leader to formalise migration from Bangladesh, paving the way entry of more Bangladeshi workers in Italy through the legal channels, which he said would cut risky illegal migration. Meloni agreed, saying both nations should work together to stop irregular migration and conduct training for people planning to work in Italy. Energy and Power adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and senior secretary Lamiya Morshed and chief of protocol Khandaker Masudul Alam were present during the meeting.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought international community's continuous attention to the Rohingya crisis, otherwise, he warned that it might put the entire region in trouble, not just Bangladesh. "We must pay attention," he said while speaking at a high-level discussion on the Rohingya crisis held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon (NY time). Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan, IOM Director General Amy Pope, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and CA's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam, among others, spoke at the event. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus proposed to international community to re-visit approach to Rohingya crisis. He said the UN Secretary General may convene an all stakeholders' conference on the Rohingya crisis soonest possible. The conference should review the overall situation of the crisis and suggest innovative and forward looking way outs, he said. Secondly, Prof Yunus said, the Joint Response Plan, managed jointly by the UN System and Bangladesh, needs to be energised. The resource raising mechanism needs further political push in view of the sliding funding situation, he said. In his third proposal, Prof Yunus said the international community should seriously support the justice and accountability mechanism to address genocidal crimes committed against the Rohingya community. Eventually, the Chief Adviser said, redressing injustice that has been perpetrated by the military junta in Myanmar is the key to long term peace and security. "Honoured to take part in the discussion on Rohingya refugees led by the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. This is a yearly UNGA event but Dr Yunus’ presence and vision meant that it wasn’t business as usual," said the UNHCR chief. He said they must strive to end the Rohingya people’s discrimination, statelessness and exile. "It was a very successful meeting. Everyone appreciated Bangladesh’s efforts and reiterated their continuous support," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Tuesday night.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and US President Joe Biden have affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. During a meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly 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 Chief Adviser Yunus to congratulate him on his recent appointment as the head of the interim government, according to the White House.  This is the first time in the history of Bangladesh that a US President has met the head of the Bangladesh government on the sidelines UNGA in New York, according to 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. Biden is visiting New York City to participate in the 79th session of the UNGA. In addition to addressing the General Assembly on September 24, President Biden will meet with world leaders to discuss cooperation in tackling threats to international peace and security, advancing global prosperity, and protecting human rights, said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s travel to New York City. The US has already affirmed their dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth, institution building, and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh. As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US said it stands ready to support those efforts. This is Prof Yunus' first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government to attend the 79th UNGA and also first visit abroad since the formation of the interim government on August 8.

US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has said they encourage Bangladesh to continue working with ASEAN to help encourage further support from regional members on the Rohingya crisis. "The international community cannot let Bangladesh shoulder this enormous responsibility alone," she said while speaking at the high-level UNGA side event on the Rohingya crisis, hosted by Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan, IOM Director General Amy Pope, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and CA's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam, among others, spoke at the event. "I am so grateful to Chief Adviser Yunus for his promise to continue supporting Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh until a safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary return is possible," Uzra Zeya said, adding that, "I implore Bangladesh to continue embracing the humanitarian spirit, welcoming those who are desperately fleeing violence in Burma (Myanmar)."

A variety of events and programs were held on Tuesday for the first-ever China Day in Dhaka to commemorate the 49th anniversary of diplomatic, or bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China. The main objective of the event was to enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries and to introduce people from all walks of life to the rich cultures of both nations. The event took place at North South University in Dhaka, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. Among the distinguished guests were Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhaawat Hossain, advisor to the interim government's Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, and cultural counselor Li Shaofeng from the Chinese Embassy, along with members of various organizations from both countries. During the event, Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhaawat Hossain expressed his desire for investment cooperation from China in Bangladesh's jute technology, stating, "China has long been one of Bangladesh's closest friends. I encourage the Chinese Ambassador to explore partnership opportunities in the jute sector. China will be very important for Bangladesh’s economy in the future." Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted the various cultural events organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, including the Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, and the Ambassador Cup. He noted that the embassy had showcased Chinese books at the Ekushey Book Fair and presented Chinese films at international film festivals held in Dhaka. "These events deepen the relationship between the peoples of the two countries. The strategic partnership relies on how interested the Bangladeshi people are in Chinese culture. Additionally, China has become a popular destination for higher education among Bangladeshi students." emphasized Chinese Ambassador In the university's theater hall on Tuesday afternoon, the program featured captivating cultural performances, including songs, dances, acrobatics, and martial arts by artists from both China and Bangladesh. Throughout the day, thousands of students at the university enjoyed the festive atmosphere, exploring various stalls and participating in numerous sporting activities.

US President Joe Biden has expressed his government’s "full support" to Bangladesh and Prof Muhammad Yunus-led Interim Government of Bangladesh during his rare one-to-one bilateral meeting with the Bangladesh Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus held the meeting with the US President on Tuesday morning (NY Time) which is seen as a "rare occasion" and will help take the existing good relations to a new level between the two countries. During the meeting, Prof Yunus apprised him about how the students rose against the tyranny of the previous government and gave their lives to create this opportunity to rebuild Bangladesh. Prof Yunus stressed that his government must succeed in rebuilding the country and would need US cooperation. President Biden said if the students could do so much sacrifice for their country, they too should do more, according to Chief Adviser's  press wing. Prof Yunus handed over a copy of the the Art of Triumph, a book on wall paintings drawn by the students and young students during the revolution, to President Biden during the meeting. The meeting with the US President reflects growing relations between the two countries, Bangladesh said. "This is an important day. It is very rare (to see such a meeting) at the UNGA," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said. This is the first time in the history of Bangladesh that a US President has met the head of the Bangladesh government on the sidelines UNGA. Alam said Bangladesh in any case maintains very good relations with the US and with this meeting the relationship will reach a new level. "It's a good news that the US stands beside Bangladesh in this period of transition," he added. Bangladesh and the US are working on a number of issues closely including labour sector reforms and the Rohingya crisis.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appreciated Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for assuming the responsibility and expressed Canada's readiness to support institution building in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met the Canadian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday and discussed issues of mutual interest. During the brief meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to cement Bangladesh-Canada relations, deepen freedom, build institutions, and support the youth of Bangladesh. Prof Yunus handed over the Art of Triumph, an art book of the wall paintings by the students and young people drawn during and after the Revolution, to the Canadian Prime Minister. The Chief Adviser described how the previous regime destroyed institutions of the country, said the Chief Adviser's press wing.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday joined here a welcome reception with heads of delegation representing various countries at the UN General Assembly hosted by Secretary General António Guterres at the UN headquarters. World leaders gathered here to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations". This is Prof Yunus' first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government to attend the 79th UNGA and also first visit abroad since the formation of the interim government on August 8. He earlier attended the inaugural session of the 79th UNGA. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Additional Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah accompanied the chief adviser. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and discussed means to augment Bangladesh- Canada ties to deepen freedom, build institutions, and support youth in Bangladesh. He handed over the Art of Triumph, an art book on the wall paintings of the Bangladeshi students and young people painted during and just after the revolution, to Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, at the UN headquarters in New York.

The United Nations has conveyed best wishes to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as he attends the UNGA when Bangladesh is celebrating its 50 years relationship with the United Nations. Chief Adviser Yunus, who arrived here on Monday night, will host a reception on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership in the United Nations on Tuesday evening. "My best wishes to Chief Advisor, Dr. Yunus as he attends the General Assembly. This year, Bangladesh celebrates its 50-year relationship with the UN," said UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis in a brief message shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.  "An historic moment when we again reminded of the importance of listening to the voices of young people," she added. On 17 September 1974, Bangladesh became a full member of the United Nations. Yunus is on his first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government to attend the 79th UNGA. The general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly opens on Tuesday, 24 September, continue through Saturday, 28 September, and conclude on Monday, 30 September 2024. The theme for the general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations". Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain spoke at the Summit of the Future. The Summit of the Future offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity for change and a chance to commit to bold new solutions.  It provided an opportunity to create international mechanisms that better reflect the realities of the 21st century and can respond to today's and tomorrow's challenges and opportunities.  As part of the global community, Bangladesh has a role in setting a better course for the world, he said. By working together, "we can achieve a safer, more peaceful, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future." The General Assembly started the meeting by adopting the Pact for the Future Resolution with annexes Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain  has met Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was held on Monday  focusing on bilateral ties. "Had a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain of Bangladesh in New York this (Monday) evening. The conversation focussed on our bilateral ties," Jaishankar wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter after the meeting. The foreign adviser is accompanying Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the 79th UN General Assembly (UNGA).