United News of Bangladesh

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) wanted to know the progress of efforts in renewing the passports of the Rohingyas who went to the KSA back in 1973-74 with Bangladeshi passports. Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud discussed the issue with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan during a bilateral meeting at a city hotel on Sunday. “Many years ago – back in 1973-74, some Rohingyas went to Saudi Arabia. The exact number is unknown to us. They (Saudi side) had informed us that the number is 69,000. It could be more or less,” Khan told reporters after the meeting. Bangladesh wants greater trade, investment relations with US: Foreign Minister He said a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the KSA that they will not send them back to Bangladesh but their passports need to be renewed. “He (Saudi Deputy Minister) has come here to see whether we are going slow somewhere, whether we are facing any problems and whether there are any loopholes,” said the Bangladesh Home Minister. He said the passport information will remain unchanged and only those will be renewed. As per the Saudi government laws, they send back people if they do not have valid documents. “We have discussed many other issues,” said the Home Minister, adding that ways of extending cooperation for enhancing the capacity of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police were also discussed. Rejection of communalism captured in Pohela Boishakh is nation's lifeblood: Hasan Mahmud He said they also discussed ways to enhance understanding in terms of security cooperation. The Home Minister said they also discussed the Rohingya crisis. “They always work sincerely on the Rohingya issue.” They laid emphasis on the safe return of the Rohingyas to their homeland as soon as possible.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has sought "deeper and wider" trade and investment relations with the United States. "With the continued robust growth of our economy and the deepening relationship with the US, I am confident that this economic partnership will continue to reach new heights," he said. The Foreign Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the "29th US Trade Show" at a Dhaka hotel on Saturday night. American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh President Syed Ershad Ahmed and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave, among others, were present at the event. "We firmly believe that freedom remains meaningless without the economic welfare of the people. We are therefore putting all our efforts towards attaining the Vision 2041-Smart Bangladesh and want US businesses by our side in this journey," Hasan said. He said Bangladesh's economy is in a "fast transition", seeking diversification. The RMG sector's export contribution decreased from 84% to 80% in the last four years. Other sectors like agriculture, jute, pharmaceuticals, and ICT are showing promise. ICT exports have exceeded $1 billion, with a rising number of startups and digital manufacturing plants. The US is the largest single destination of Bangladesh’s exports, the largest source of FDI, and the second-largest source of incoming remittance. Hasan said since its first edition in 1992, the US Trade Show has significantly contributed to expanding bilateral trade, which has already surpassed $10 billion. He also thanked US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D. Hass, DCM Helen LaFave, Commercial Counselor John Fay, and his team for making the 29th US Trade Show successful. "I believe AmCham's pioneering efforts in trade show culture in Bangladesh will further contribute to trade and investment growth between Bangladesh and the USA through this edition and other future initiatives and endeavors by AmCham," Hasan said. He conveyed to the investors and business leaders that the government is mindful of the scope to improve the ease of doing business and is pivoting digital technology to automate various services for the investors. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has already made 130 of about 170 services available online. "Land registration has been fully digitalized. Digitalization of services of Customs and NBR is also progressing," said the Foreign Minister. He said the government of Bangladesh treats the investors well. "Foreign companies that invest in Bangladesh want to stay with us for long. For example, the US company Metlife has been here for the last 65 years." They have been the number one life insurer in Bangladesh since 1997. Coca-Cola has been present in Bangladesh for over 60 years, he added. Chevron has been Bangladesh’s largest partner in the energy sector for decades. "Chevron-managed gas fields produce more than 60% of our domestic demand for natural gas," Hasan said. Another US energy giant, General Electric (GE), has been operating in Bangladesh since 1970 and continues to expand its footprint in power generation, he said. "US tech giants like Oracle, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta continue to be partners in transforming from a ‘Digital’ to a ‘Smart’ Bangladesh," Hasan said. "As we grow economically, we see growing opportunities for collaboration between the businesses of our two countries," he said, hoping that over the three days of the trade show, participating US companies found potential partners in Bangladesh. Bangladesh-US relationship is founded on the strong bonds between the two peoples. When Senator Edward M Kennedy visited Bangladesh in February 1972, immediately after independence, and met with the architect of independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said in his speech, “I have come to Bangladesh to bring you the prayers and hopes of millions of people of the United States of America. …We are brothers in liberty, and no man, no policy, no government can change that fact.” "Indeed, bound by our shared values and people-to-people friendship, the United States has remained a leading partner in our development journey ever since," Hasan said. From a humble beginning in 1971, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh today represents a success story among the developing countries marked by its remarkable socio-economic achievements. This has been possible due to the hard work of its enterprising people under the passionate leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the support and partnership of foreign friends, including the USA, he said. Considering the imminent LDC graduation and rapid digitalization, Hasan said, they have updated IP laws and are drafting legislation for data protection, digital commerce, and AI regulation. Through annual TICFA dialogue and periodic high-level economic consultations, Bangladesh and the USA continue to work together to ensure that businesses do not face difficulties in doing business with each other, he said.

A visiting Iranian scholar has highly appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s bold position against the genocide in Gaza and for standing beside the people of Palestine, noting that Muslim countries should have a united voice against Israeli atrocities.  “She (PM Hasina) condemned Israel for the genocide… Alhamdulillah, we also see in Bangladesh many universities and many scholars participate in the protests… So, it shows a very bright future for us,” Iranian scholar Prof Dr Sayed Mahdi Mousavi told UNB before a discussion in a city hotel on Saturday evening. Prof Mousavi, Chairman of the University of Religions and Denominations of Iran, said he believes that all Muslims and all the nations will be united against the genocide and crimes committed by Israel. Highlighting the importance of the Muslim Ummah, he said it is very strange that some Muslim countries are not doing anything against this genocide in Palestine. The UN General Assembly voted by a wide margin on Friday to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine and called on the Security Council to reconsider Palestine’s request to become the 194th member of the United Nations. The world body approved the Arab and Palestine-sponsored resolution by a vote of 143-9 with 25 abstentions. The United States voted against it, along with Israel, Argentina, Czechia, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Papua New Guinea. The vote reflected the wide global support for full membership of Palestine in the United Nations, with many countries expressing outrage at the escalating death toll in Gaza and fears of a major Israeli offensive in Rafah, a southern city where about 1.3 million Palestinians have sought refuge. It also demonstrated growing support for the Palestinians.  Talking about Bangladesh economy, the Iranian scholar said they saw a rapid development in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Bangladesh is one of the top countries in terms of economic progress. It will emerge as one of the most important economies in the world. We believe that we should increase economic relations between Bangladesh and Iran. There are rooms for enhancing economic engagements utilizing the high capacity that the two countries have,” said the Iranian scholar.  He said it is nice to see so many bridges and roads with better connectivity and the expressway from the airport is something very significant to give a positive impression about the country’s ongoing development efforts.   Responding to a question on the Rohingya crisis, Prof Mousavi 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.” The scholar, who will visit the Rohingya camp to distribute essential commodities, said that during his last visit, he saw the refugees have a lot of problems.  “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. Describing the purpose of his visit, the Iranian scholar said that relations between the two Muslim-majority countries are not at a higher level despite having much potential. “We have a lot of local issues, which can bring us close to each other.” “I have come here to have some meetings with scholars, visit institutions and meet journalists to talk about how we can increase interactions and make the unity among Muslim countries stronger. And we believe Bangladesh can play a very important role in unifying the Muslim community,” Prof Mousavi said.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hassan Mahmud said that rejection of communalism is the fundamental driving force of the nation and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebration signifies this secular spirit. He said this while speaking at the "Pohela Boishakh 1431 Celebration" organized by the Foreign Service Academy and the Foreign Office Spouses Association on Bailey Road in the capital on Friday evening. The Foreign Minister said under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh was born through the Liberation War of 1971, breaking away from the communal state system of the then Pakistan. Indian foreign secretary in Dhaka; he'll meet PM, FM Thursday And, he added, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Pohela Boishakh celebration, transcending religious and caste boundaries, has become a symbol of secularism for them today. "During the War of Independence, the Awami League, as the leading force, believed our first identity is Bengali, and our second identity is our religion. And under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, everyone celebrates every festival irrespective of their religion,” Hasan said. FM Hasan urges international community shun any new weapons That is why in Bangladesh, people of all religions come together in unity during Eid, Puja, and other celebrations, he added. Former Foreign Minister and Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also spoke. Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present at the function. A cultural function was also held.

 The recent surge in attacks on student protests across US campuses signal a concerning erosion of intellectual freedom and democratic principles within educational settings, a UN expert warned on Friday. “I am deeply troubled by the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, arrests, detentions, police violence, surveillance and disciplinary measures and sanctions against members of the educational community exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” said Farida Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, in a statement at the end of an official visit to the US. Farida Shaheed, who took office as Special Rapporteur on the right to education on 1 August 2022 following her appointment by the Human Rights Council, is particularly concerned about the unequal treatment of protesters based on their political stance, particularly targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Shaheed’s 10-day visit coincided with anti-war demonstrations at universities across the United States and students setting up encampments inside campus premises in solidarity with Palestinians, calling for a ceasefire and for university administrations to review their investments with Israel, as civilian casualties mount in the besieged Gaza strip. “These attacks signal a concerning erosion of intellectual freedom and democratic principles within educational settings,” the expert said in a statement issued from Washington DC on Friday. She urged the US Government to reaffirm its fundamental commitment to freedom of speech and ensure every student has unfettered access to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. Shaheed also expressed grave concern over a disturbing trend which has emerged across the United States, with 307 educational gag order bills or policies introduced by States since January 2021. “These policies, manifested through book bans and restrictions on curricula, have instilled a pervasive ‘chilling effect’ that stifles the free exchange of ideas and silences marginalised voices,” she said. During her visit, the Special Rapporteur found that chronic underfunding of education systems in the United States was at the core of many issues, including teacher shortages and student mental health support challenges. Education in the US stands as a testament to decentralised decision-making, with authority dispersed across federal, state and local levels, Shaheed said. “Administration of 51 education systems in the US is an intricate tapestry of diverse regulations, underpinned by different approaches to education in state constitutions and state laws,” the expert said. Heavy reliance on local property taxes to fund education exacerbates inequalities, disproportionately affecting low-income neighbourhoods and marginalised communities. The proliferation of various school models further drains financial resources from already overstretched traditional public schools. “Communities need to find a way to distribute funds more equitably between wealthier and poorer districts to end the cycle of deprivation and segregation,” she said. “I also urge the federal government to take decisive action to address disparities in educational funding,” she added. The Special Rapporteur called on federal and state authorities to recognise education as a fundamental human right, ensuring equitable access for all, irrespective of background or identity, level of income, place of residence or other personal circumstances. Shaheed noted that despite the federal non-discrimination safeguards, the issues of school safety and police presence in schools, mental health of students and overreliance on standardised testing are all interrelated and disproportionately negatively affect the same demographics across the nation. “It is crucial to remove police presence from schools and invest in qualified personnel such as counsellors and social workers to create a safe and nurturing learning environment,” she said. “It is time to shift the narrative, prioritising holistic growth and social interaction skills over standardised testing results reducing students to mere numbers.” Shaheed visited Washington, D.C. and the states of Indiana and Colorado during her visit. The Special Rapporteur will present a full report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in June 2025.  

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has welcomed US President Joe Biden’s nomination regarding the new US Ambassador to Bangladesh. He hoped that the new ambassador (nominated) will further take forward the relations with Bangladesh.    Responding to a question at Foreign Service Academy on Friday, the foreign minister said they received the name (agrimo) much earlier. US President Joe Biden has nominated David Slayton Meale, currently Deputy Chief of Mission in Beijing, as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh. The nomination has been sent to the Senate, according to the White House. David Meale of Virginia is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor. The current US ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, will soon end his tenure in Dhaka. David Meale assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Mission on March 26, 2022, having served as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing from July 2021. Prior to his arrival in Beijing, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy and Negotiations for the Economic Bureau at the U.S Department of State. He was previously the Director for Sanctions Policy and Implementation. Meale’s prior positions have included: Associate Dean for the Leadership and Management School at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, DC; Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine; Deputy Director of the Office of Monetary Affairs in the Economic Bureau; and additional positions in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guinea, and Washington. He joined the Foreign Service in 1992 and holds the rank of Minister-Counselor. Prior to his Foreign Service Career, Meale held positions in corporate finance with Sprint Telecommunications. He has an MS from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, an MBA from Tulane University, and a BA from the University of Delaware. He has studied Mandarin Chinese, Ukrainian, and French at the Foreign Service Institute. Meale is married to Lisa O’Donnell, a teacher, and has two boys, Theo and Bennett, who are both in college.

Speaker of the British House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud have handed over the Bangladesh High Commission London’s ‘Bangabandhu-Edward Heath Friendship Award 2023’ to British Conservative peer Lord Jonathan Marland of Salisbury and the ‘Bangabandhu- Harold Wilson Friendship Award 2023’ to Cross-bench peer Lord Swaraj Paul, Baron of Marylebone. The ceremony was held during the 54th Independence and National Day diplomatic reception of Bangladesh held at the Churchill Room of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Centre at Westminster recently, said the High Commission on Friday. Before handing over the awards, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem told the media that these two awards were launched during Mujib Borsho in 2022 by the High Commission to honour the special friendship of Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with two of UK’s celebrated Conservative and Labour Prime Ministers, namely Sir Edward Heath, and Sir Harold Wilson between 1964 and 1975  that laid the foundation of today’s vibrant Bangladesh-UK relations.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Friday said there is a necessity for all the countries to work together to improve human rights records, including in the United States and Europe. “Look, the human rights situation in Bangladesh is much better than many other countries in the world. In human rights, no country is perfect,” he told reporters while responding to a question at Foreign Service Academy. The Foreign Minister joined the "Boishakhi Utsob" organized by Foreign Office Spouses' Association (FOSA) as the chief guest. Former Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present. He referred to what is happening in the US and said Bangladesh does not suffer police brutality, as seen in the policing of students’ protests on US college campuses. “We are watching the brutality on televisions. Even teachers were not spared,” Hasan said, adding that such a scenario is not seen when the Bangladesh Awami League remains in power. He, however, said it was seen during martial law, Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad regimes. The foreign minister said they want to work with the development partners on the human rights front and want to see human rights are protected in the US and Europe. Referring to brutality on the pro-Palestinian protesters on the US campuses, the Foreign Minister on Wednesday said he is willing to know the reaction to the brutality from those who issued statements when Hero Alam was punched in Bangladesh. “In our country, a statement is issued for punching a mayoral candidate. A statement is issued when Hero Alam is punched, and also statement is issued when the brother of Charmonai Peer is punched,” he told reporters, adding that, “I am very interested to know what their (US) statement is.” Hasan said they are surprised to see how those who are protesting in the United States are being brutally suppressed. During his participation in the recent OIC Summit in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, Foreign Minister Hasan called for an immediate cessation of the conflict in Palestine, ensuring humanitarian access and holding Israel accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity. "We, the members of the OIC, should be part of a multi-tracked international engagement to end the Gaza crisis," he said while speaking at the 15th Islamic Summit Conference titled "Strengthening Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development." Bangladesh, along with a few other countries, has requested the International Criminal Court for an investigation of ‘the situation in the State of Palestine’. "Accountability and punishment are mandatory so that once for all the ongoing conflict in Gaza ends and people can start living peacefully in their own land," Hasan said while sharing six specific suggestions on behalf of Bangladesh on Saturday evening. Asked about the nomination of the new US Ambassador to Bangladesh, he said they received the name (agrimo) much earlier. US President Joe Biden has nominated David Slayton Meale, currently Deputy Chief of Mission in Beijing, as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh. The nomination has been sent to the Senate for final approval, according to the White House. The current US ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, will soon end his tenure in Dhaka. Regarding upazila Parishad polls, the foreign minister said 35 percent votes were cast despite BNP’s call of boycotting the polls. “It is a good turnout. I would not say it is very good. And there was no violence. I hope voters’ turnout will increase in the second phase polls,” he said.

Considering Bangladesh’s overall stability and economic prosperity, big partners are showing greater interest to engage with the stable new government, Bangladesh says. "All have been attracted by our stability, economic prosperity and other socioeconomic development. They are showing greater interest," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said ahead of US official Donald Lu's visit to Bangladesh. The foreign secretary said they are (big countries) certainly comparing with each other. "I won't say it's a competition but I would say they all have much interest." US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will travel to Bangladesh on May 14 as part of his tri-nation tour of the region. He will visit India and Sri Lanka before coming to Dhaka. His trip will strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, said the US Department State. Lu will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to discuss U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation, including on addressing the climate crisis and deepening economic ties, said spokesperson at the US Department of State. The scope and thrust of his visit is likely to differ greatly from previous ones - before the elections in Bangladesh. "The pre-election scenario and the current scenario are totally different. A new government has been formed. A stable government is carrying forward its activities engaging with various countries. All countries think of engaging with Bangladesh," Masud Momen said. He said all elements of the mutual relations - political, economic and even security issues will be discussed. "We have many mechanisms, platforms and dialogues with them (US). It will be look into how all these can be reactivated and what are the mechanisms we can take forward," said the Foreign Secretary. He said there is no reason to think that only Rohingya issue will be discussed. Asked about the pre-election discomfort, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh did never feel discomfort. They might have felt that. "From our side, there was no discomfort before the elections, and still we do not have any discomfort," he said. A diplomatic source last week indicated that Lu might be in Dhaka on May 14 on a two-day visit, which is seen as an opportunity to discuss ways for future cooperation. The US assistant secretary is likely to discuss bilateral issues with Momen apart from his courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and PM's adviser Salman F Rahman, the source told UNB. After the January 7 national election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties." In February this year, Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh. "There is willingness from both sides. Together, we want to create a new chapter in our relations," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with the US delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. "It's a pleasure for us to talk about our shared priorities and ways for us to cooperating together in the future," Eileen Laubacher told reporters in her very brief remarks. Earlier, FM Hasan Mahmud said the relations with the US remain “excellent,” and the two countries are working closely to further improve the ties. "In the future, we will continue to work closely, and the relations will be deepened," he added.

US President Joe Biden has nominated David Slayton Meale, currently Deputy Chief of Mission in Beijing, as the next US Ambassador to Bangladesh. The nomination has been sent to the Senate, according to the White House. David Meale of Virginia is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor. The current US ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, will soon end his tenure in Dhaka. David Meale assumed the position of Deputy Chief of Mission on March 26, 2022, having served as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing from July 2021. Prior to his arrival in Beijing, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy and Negotiations for the Economic Bureau at the U.S Department of State. He was previously the Director for Sanctions Policy and Implementation. Meale’s prior positions have included: Associate Dean for the Leadership and Management School at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, DC; Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine; Deputy Director of the Office of Monetary Affairs in the Economic Bureau; and additional positions in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guinea, and Washington. He joined the Foreign Service in 1992 and holds the rank of Minister-Counselor. Prior to his Foreign Service Career, Meale held positions in corporate finance with Sprint Telecommunications. He has an MS from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, an MBA from Tulane University, and a BA from the University of Delaware. He has studied Mandarin Chinese, Ukrainian, and French at the Foreign Service Institute. Meale is married to Lisa O’Donnell, a teacher, and has two boys, Theo and Bennett, who are both in college.