United News of Bangladesh

Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Ambassador Charles Whiteley has said the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU is evolving rapidly. "Now we see a partnership that is not only rooted in development issues but one that also acts on the major issues of our time - from climate change to maritime security, poverty reduction to education and migration," he said. The Ambassador was speaking at the Europe Day reception in a Dhaka hotel on Thursday evening. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni joined the celebrations as the chief guest and highlighted the various aspects of the relations. On occasion of the Europe Day, European head of states in Bangladesh also spoke to the media, touching issues like Global Gateway, steadfast support for Rohingyas,  commitment to green transition and commended the trajectory of Bangladesh-EU relations. The EU Ambassador said the partnership was largely characterised by a development paradigm. He had the privilege of witnessing last October the signing of the Global Gateway partnership on renewable energy by President Von der Leyen and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Brussels. "It struck me during the ceremony that such a signature would have been inconceivable during my first posting in Dhaka in 2005," said Ambassador Whiteley. He said they gathered to celebrate not only Europe Day - the togetherness of 27 nations - but also the increasingly rich tapestry of EU-Bangladesh ties. "As the well-known Bangladesh proverb says: “Baro Mashe Tero Parbon” or “Thirteen festivals in twelve months”. That saying captures the cultural richness and diversity of this country - but could just as well stand as a signifier for the many developments to celebrate in the relationship between the EU and Bangladesh," he mentioned. The envoy talked about the capacity to make common cause together across many policy areas that will be cemented in the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which the respective leaders also launched last October. "The EU is nothing if it is not a peace project. Both the EU and Bangladesh emerged from the ashes of war and built societies founded on democratic values and the rule of law," Whiteley said. As they approach the 70th anniversary of the EU in 2027, he said, it is more important than ever that those values are preserved. In a world beset by multiple conflicts and aggression - including in the neighbourhoods of both the EU and Bangladesh, as well as the escalating horrors in the Middle East – striving for peace and stability is an absolute imperative, said the envoy. "As one of the founding fathers of the EU, Robert Schuman, stated at the outset of his famous declaration in 1950: “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” He said their democracies are also being challenged in the digital space. The toxic underbelly of the internet - where truth is a relative concept and conspiracy theories thrive - is an ever-present threat to their societies, he observed. The European Parliament elections next month - one of the largest democratic exercises in the world - will be a litmus test of their ability to resist extremism and hostile foreign forces who seek to spread disinformation amongst the electorate, Whiteley said. On a more positive note, he said, it is the human wealth and creativity of their respective societies that is propelling the expansion in people-to-people ties between the EU and Bangladesh. "Whether that be by augmenting educational and work opportunities - including through the new Talent Partnership and Erasmus Mundus scholarships. Whether that be through fostering business connections, including through the European Chamber of Commerce or the state-of-the art trade fairs that Bangladesh is now taking to Europe. Or whether that be through efforts to boost two-way tourism - which will undoubtedly grow as Bangladesh’s infrastructure develops apace," said the EU envoy. "It is by building such people-to-people ties that we foster understanding and mutual appreciation," he said. He hopes and trusts that their commemoration of Europe Day today will prove a worthy festival to celebrate their EU family and the rich ties that bind the EU and Bangladesh together. For Whiteley, it was the last Europe Day celebrations as EU Ambassador in Dhaka as he prepares to leave Dhaka soon for taking up his new assignment wrapping up his "very successful" tenure in Dhaka.

Russian Embassy in Bangladesh on Thursday hosted a reception marking the Russian Victory Day The event included a performance by the Russian folk ensemble “Sovechera”, organized by the National Group company and Synergy University. The artists showcased the rich heritage of Russian folk music and dance. The guests also watched a Soviet war documentary about the Battle of Moscow “Moscow Strikes Back” and “Linkup on the Elbe”. Ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy addressed the audience and highlighed the USSR’s crucial role in defeating Hitler's war machine and liberating Europe from Nazism, and pointed at the disturbing trend of rewriting history by the “collective West”. “To us, the Great Victory will forever remain a source of national pride and a foundation for bringing up new generations in the spirit of patriotism”, he added. Among the numerous guests were high officials of ministries and government bodies, representatives of the Military Command, Heads of diplomatic missions of the friendly countries, socio-political and cultural figures, major entrepreneurs, journalists and the Russian compatriots.

Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope has concluded a four-day visit to Bangladesh marking strategic engagements and significant initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of Rohingyas and advancing global migration discourse. Notably, she also launched IOM’s flagship World Migration Report 2024, the first time away from Geneva. During the visit, DG Pope met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, underscoring Bangladesh's commitment to address the Rohingya crisis and broader migration challenges. Accompanied by representatives from major donor countries and the private sector, DG Pope witnessed firsthand the pressing humanitarian needs for the Rohingya response and raised awareness for the need to urgently raise more funding for the refugees. "I am deeply grateful to our generous donors for their support and commitment to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees and vulnerable populations in Bangladesh. Their substantial contributions will not only make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, but they also demonstrate our collective responsibility to uphold the principles of solidarity and compassion on a global scale,” said DG Pope. “Together, we are not only assisting Bangladesh but setting a powerful example for collaborative action in tackling migration challenges worldwide," she said. During the visit, donors pledged their support to IOM’s emergency and development projects in the country. This will significantly aid in addressing the pressing challenges faced by Rohingya refugees and other vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. In March, IOM appealed for USD 119 million to support nearly a million Rohingya refugees in what has been called the world's largest refugee settlement in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, and the vulnerable community generously hosting them. In a momentous step towards preserving Rohingya cultural heritage, DG Pope inaugurated the World Tour of the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC). This exhibition will showcase, in several global locations, the rich cultural heritage of the Rohingya community and raise awareness about their plight. Additionally, DG Pope participated in a high-level dialogue on the Future of Migration and Bangladesh, engaging in fruitful discussions with key stakeholders on shaping policies and strategies to address migration challenges in the country and region. The Director General alongside Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, and Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator inaugurated the new UN Common Premises in Bangladesh, marking a pivotal moment in advancing the United Nations Secretary-General's Reform Agenda. This building symbolizes a significant stride towards enhancing the efficiency, coordination, and effectiveness of UN operations in Bangladesh. This would strengthen the UN’s capacity to address pressing issues, uphold human rights, promote sustainable development, and advance peace and security in Bangladesh and beyond, said IOM. Through collaboration with donors and partners, IOM remains committed to providing vital support to vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable solutions to migration issues worldwide.

India has said its Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s just concluded visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties between Bangladesh and India and impart momentum to the cooperation in diverse areas. "Bangladesh is India’s leading development partner and its largest trade partner in the region," said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday. The Foreign Secretary paid an official visit to Bangladesh from May 8-9 May. This was the first official visit to Bangladesh after the formation of the new government in January 2024. During the visit, Foreign Secretary called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. He also met his counterpart Masud Bin Momen. The visit to Bangladesh is keeping in line with the highest priority accorded to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary reviewed the wide-ranging bilateral relationship including political and security, water, trade and investment, power and energy, defence, connectivity and sub-regional cooperation.

 Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said the voters did not pay heed to BNP’s call for boycotting the first phase of the upazila parishad polls and the elections were held peacefully with a satisfactory level of voters’ turnout. “I would say voters’ turnout was very satisfactory,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Awami League joint general secretary said local government elections are also held in the region including in India, Nepal and Pakistan. Dhaka, Bangkok to work together to deal with Rohingya issue: FM He said compared to other elections and compared to the elections in the region, the level of violence was very low in Bangladesh. “Elections were held peacefully.” Hasan said BNP boycotted the polls and urged the voters to refrain from voting but the voters did not pay heed to that call. Athens Conference: FM Hasan calls for responsible, sustainable ocean management “Even their candidates did not listen and they took part in elections. So, the election was very satisfactory,” Hasan added.

Bangladesh and Switzerland have agreed to further enhance bilateral trade and Swiss direct investment in Bangladesh. At the 5th political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) of Switzerland held in Bern on Wednesday, the Swiss side particularly expressed interest for investment in the knowledge and innovation sector. Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral-East and West) Ambassador Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg, Head of the Asia Pacific Division of FDFA led the respective sides. During the consultations, the entire gamut of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries was discussed in a cordial manner. Discussion on bilateral issues encompassed trade and investment, development cooperation in particular in knowledge and skills enhancement and SMEs development, cooperation in ICT and cyber security as well as mutual legal assistance, and humanitarian aid for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Several multilateral issues of mutual interest such as overview of the UN system, UN Security Council, human rights, sustainable development, and climate change were also discussed. Both Bangladesh and Switzerland also exchanged their views on regional developments in South Asia and Europe, and global affairs.    

India has expressed interest to finance Bangladesh's Teesta project, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Thursday. "You know, we have taken a big project on Teesta. India wants to finance this project. It will have to be implemented in line with our needs. We want to see our needs fulfilled," Hasan told reporters after his meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He made the remarks when asked whether they discussed the Teesta issue. "We have discussed the Teesta issue," the Foreign Minister said. During the meeting, both sides discussed the issues of mutual interests underscoring the shared commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors. Foreign Minister Hasan raised the water sharing issue of the common rivers including that of Teesta and renewal of Ganges water sharing treaty. He also stressed economic cooperation for the betterment of people of two countries. He also stressed easing the visa issuance process for further strengthening the people to people contact. Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi, Hasan said the PM will definitely visit India. "Elections are underway in India. New government will be formed after the election and then the date will be finalised for the visit," he said. Asked whether the PM will go to India or China first, the Foreign Minister smiled and said Delhi is close to Bangladesh in terms of geographical distance. Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasina's visit to India is planned for early July if not possible at the end of June, after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s election. IMF approves $1.15 billion on staff-level for Bangladesh in third loan tranche

The United States, through the Department of State Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID, is providing $30.5 million in additional assistance for Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, Bhasan Char, and the region.  This funding includes lifesaving support for healthcare, nutrition, clean water, and shelter, as well as support for self-reliance initiatives to help ease reliance on humanitarian assistance, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.  IMF approves $1.15 billion on staff-level for Bangladesh in third loan tranche Ambassador Jeffrey Prescott, US Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, announced the new assistance funding on a visit to Bangladesh to observe US government food security, agriculture and humanitarian assistance activities in the country. “We remain committed to working with the Bangladesh government and all of our partners to continue support for Rohingya refugees and for Bangladeshis living in communities impacted by this crisis,” said Ambassador Prescott. Indian foreign secretary in Dhaka; he'll meet PM, FM Thursday The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the Rohingya crisis in Burma, Bangladesh, and the region.  Total US funding for this crisis has reached nearly $2.4 billion since August 2017, of which over $1.9 billion has been provided for refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has consented to provide Bangladesh with $1.15 billion as the third tranche of a $4.7 billion loan. The IMF team reached a staff-level agreement with Bangladesh on the policies needed to complete the second review under the ECF/EFF/RSF arrangements, according to an IMF press release on Wednesday. The staff-level agreement was reached after a thorough discussion on the necessary economic policies. This agreement came at the conclusion of a 15-day visit to Bangladesh by an IMF mission team led by Chris Papageorgiou, which focused on evaluating the country’s economic and financial policies. The funds allocated in this tranche include approximately $932 million under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)/Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and about $220 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). However, the disbursement is contingent upon the forthcoming approval from the IMF's Executive Board in Washington, which is anticipated in the next few weeks. Upon receiving the board's nod, Bangladesh will gain access to the substantial sum of $1.15 billion, bolstering its financial stability and supporting ongoing economic reforms.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain on Wednesday welcomed the Myanmar students of Asian University of Women in Bangladesh at the Embassy who are going to join their study soon. This year four Myanmar students were awarded scholarships to study in AUW in Public Health, Computer Science and Environmental Science. Ambassador Dr. Md Monwar Hossain congratulated the students for their successful admission. He shared that the high-quality education in the Universities of Bangladesh offered at an affordable price is the best in the South Asia and is very competitive for the developed world. He added that the Embassy has been working on strengthening ties between the two countries through cooperation in the education sector. With a view to achieving success in this field, the Embassy has already organized a successful, quality education fair. The students were briefed about the history, culture and heritage, harmonious society, economic development, resilience of people and touristic places of Bangladesh. The Ambassador introduced the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the students at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Embassy and highlighted him as the architect of our independence of Bangladesh. Ambassador also shared the pivotal role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that brought progress in various sectors of social and economic indicators in Bangladesh including women empowerment. The Ambassador also exchanged views with the students, listened to their carrier planning and mentioned future prospects of their education to contribute to strengthen bilateral relations. The students were handed over some souvenirs.