United News of Bangladesh

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday as part of "high-level exchanges" between the two countries. The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived by a special flight in the evening for a short trip. He will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and hold meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday. There are discussions regarding forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India within next couple of months. The preparatory issues may also come up for discussion during Indian FS's engagements in Dhaka, said a diplomatic source. His planned visit to Bangladesh last month was postponed. India votes in third phase of national elections as PM Modi escalates his rhetoric against Muslims “Look, elections are underway there (in India). It (visit) was postponed because of various internal (India's) reasons,” Foreign Minister Hasan told reporters when asked about the reasons behind the postponement of the visit at that time. Though there was no official announcement from Dhaka and New Delhi regarding the visit, the Indian FS was scheduled to be in Dhaka on a brief visit on April 20. Diplomatic sources indicate that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India is planned for early July, after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s election, the world's largest democratic exercise, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the vote count set for June 4. Indian foreign secretary due Wednesday Pre-election surveys suggest a strong showing for the coalition led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely anticipated to secure re-election. "Prime Minister's (Sheikh Hasina) India visit will definitely take place. However, it will take place after the election in India," FM Hasan said recently. He said it is not yet discussed at the official level when the visit will exactly take place. In January, Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh. The last bilateral engagement between the two prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was the guest country. PM Modi is expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC country leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation. Why voters in southern India are more resistant to Modi's Hindu-centric politics The government of India in March extended Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra's tenure by six months. Kwatra assumed charge as India’s foreign secretary on 1 May, 2022 and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988.

Referring to brutality on the pro-Palestinian protesters on the US campuses, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud 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. The Foreign Minister said more than 2000 students have been arrested, and even teachers were not spared. “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. “Even teachers are not spared. A teacher's rib cage was broken. If the police had done this in our country while suppressing the protestors, my question is what they would have done to them,” he posed a question. The Foreign Minister was talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan. Hasan said protests are seen across the world including in Europe and people cannot accept the way innocent people including children and women are killed. 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.

Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope on Wednesday said making the Rohingyas more self-reliant with a much more comprehensive approach does not mean that they will stay in Bangladesh forever. “I don't think this means that people will stay forever because what we have heard, especially from the Rohingya people, that they would love to go home. What we hear from the Rohingya is that if they could go home, they will go home. They are not looking to stay forever here in Bangladesh,” she told reporters at a press conference, noting that the needs in the camps are overwhelming. Pope, who became Director General of the IOM on 1 October 2023, described the complex situation and said at this moment going home means risking their (Rohingyas) lives. She said their goal has to be to come up with a much more comprehensive approach including investment and solutions for people within the camp with increased donor support so that they have more dignity and more self-reliance instead of their reliance on humanitarian aid only. “Right now the communities are wholly reliant on humanitarian support. So our goal is to bring awareness to the situation to drive engagement with a wide range of donors not relying on the same ones, and to encourage them…,” Pope, the first woman to hold the post in IOM’s 73-year history, said. Delay in Rohingya repatriation threatens regional security: Principal Secretary tells foreign diplomats She said they call upon all of the states who are involved in the peace negotiation process to continue to push for peace. The IOM DG observed that humanitarian support is being stretched across multiple complex and multiple protracted conflicts and one of the best solutions is to increase their self-reliance. “So our goal is to work with the host community to work with the host government to build self-reliance, particularly when we're in a state of a protracted conflict,” she said. Responding to a question, Pope said it was very clear to her sitting down and listening to the refugees directly about what they had experienced that one of the most significant and growing issues is the security in the camps. Foreign ministers of Bangladesh and Egypt discuss Rohingya crisis She said they heard from women and girls who are fearful at night that they might be sexually assaulted. “We've heard of families who are concerned about the safety of their children, whether they will be recruited by armed gangs or by other criminal actors. We heard from people who were concerned about abductions and very little resources in order to protect them. So this is a very fundamental fear.” Pope said they know from their work around the world that having a safe and secure shelter is absolutely fundamental to enabling people to have more resilience in the face of enormous stress and enormous pressure. “So between the security and the protection concerns, particularly for children, women and girls, that was overwhelmingly one of the most significant challenges that I took away after my visit,” she mentioned. Pope said she did have a chance to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to speak directly to her about the situation. “And what I found to be so interesting is that she has lived a story that is not so dissimilar from the refugees that we spoke to. She spoke to me about her own personal experience, where her own family members had been killed and her unique understanding of the challenges and the importance of providing hospitality to the rainbow people,” the DG said. She said their job with their other partners within the UN community with an international community is to make sure the world stays focused on the issue and recognizes its regional importance.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh holds a zero-tolerance policy against illegal migration. “We don’t want anyone to migrate illegally as well. We show zero tolerance on this matter,” she said when visiting UK Minister of State ((Indo-pacific) in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Anne-Marie Trevelyan paid a courtesy call on her at PM’s official residence Ganabhaban. Briefing the media after the meeting PM’s speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam said Anne-Marie raised the issue of illegal migration saying that the UK welcomes legal migration. Noting that illegal migration is a problem for the United Kingdom, she said the Bangladeshi nationals who are in irregular situations in the UK should return home. The UK minister of state welcomes the move to sign a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) between Bangladesh and the UK soon for the identification and return of persons without any authorisation to stay. Avoid doing anything that hurts religious sentiments: PM Hasina The prime minister sought the UK's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh and offered it lands in special economic zones here. She said Bangladesh will purchase 10 aircraft in phases from the European manufacturer Airbus. Anne-Marie raised the issues of housing, education and healthcare facilities and training on employment for Rohingyas now sheltered in Bangladesh. In this context, the premier said there is no scope to ensure the facilities in overcrowded Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. That’s why her government built houses in Bhashanchar for them, ensuring all sorts of facilities like education, health and self-employment. She sought the good offices of the UK for quick repatriation of the Rohingyas as they are increasing in number day by day. Bangladesh is now hosting over one million Rohingyas who fled their homes in Myanmar to flee killings, rape and atrocities. Besides, the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh and climate change issues came up for discussion in the meeting, said Nazrul. PM inaugurates Hajj programme-2024 Regarding the climate change, Hasina said only Britain contributes to the loss and damage fund under the Paris Agreement but there is no notable response from other countries.  Bangladesh and the UK have already signed a climate accord, she said. Talking about the socioeconomic uplift of Bangladesh, the prime minister said her government opened all sectors, including media to the private sector during her first term from 1996 to 2001 and now the people are enjoying the benefits. She said coming to power in 2009, her government took and implemented the Vision 2021, transformed the country into a Digital Bangladesh and elevated it to a middle-income country. The PM said the government is now working to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, make Bangladesh an upper middle income country by 2031, and transform it into a developed, prosperous and smart Bangladesh by 2041. The UK minister of state wished her success in running the government. PMO Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin was present.  

Bangladesh has sought preferential and duty-free quota-free market access for Bangladeshi exportable, including apparels, into the British market until 2032 to support sustainable transition. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud discussed the issue when UK Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan met him at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday afternoon. “Useful discussions with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on a wide range of mutually important policy areas – from energy transition to human rights and democracy, migration and Rohingya challenges, to LDC transition in 2026 and the future trade growth,” the British Minister said after the meeting. We’re against border killings; it’s unfortunate: Hasan Mahmud He apprised the British State Minister that Bangladesh has set a target of producing at least 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2041 and has started working through different projects including solar, wind, tides, waste-to-energy etc. to achieve the target. The British Minister of State expressed delight over the improved traffic condition in Dhaka and completion of mega infrastructure projects, such as metro rail, 3rd terminal of the airport and expressway etc. She highly praised the Bangladesh community living in the UK and their entrepreneurship efforts in different sectors including in culinary business. The British Minister congratulated Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status in 2026 and assured of her government’s support during and after this economic transition, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She commended Bangladesh for generously hosting the Rohingyas and affirmed continuous British political and financial support in this regard, including the recent one of 12 million pounds. The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over expanding trade between the two countries that reached a landmark height of 6 billion USD last year, and thanked the UK government for its support towards Bangladesh’s development efforts and being the highest FDI source for Bangladesh in 2023. He hoped that the UK would be beside Bangladesh in its climate actions. He underlined that the only solution to this protracted Rohingya crisis lies in the safe, sustainable and dignified return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar and requested the British State Minister for their active political support in it. Rohingya crisis in focus: Foreign Minister on Donald Lu's upcoming visit

The 29th three-day annual “US Trade Show” will begin in Dhaka on Thursday to promote trade relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) and the United States Embassy, Dhaka are cosponsoring the event. PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman will inaugurate the trade show as the chief guest at the InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka. State Minister FOR Posts, Telecommunications and Information Zunaid Ahmed Palak will join as special guest with AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D Haas. Earlier, AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed, and Commercial Counselor of the U.S. Embassy John Fay talked about the event on the eve of the show. The trade show will be taking place during World Trade Month (May) which has been recognized in the U.S. since 1938 and promotes the importance of International Trade to the U.S. Economy. Since 1992, this three-day-long exhibition has emerged as Bangladesh’s premier annual business event, drawing thousands of visitors each time. This year, over hundreds of U.S. products represented by 44 Exhibitors from home and abroad (occupying 79 booths) will be on display. In addition to the exhibition of American products and services, there will also be five seminars during the event. On Thursday, the seminars will include “Inclusive Innovation: Empowering Women in the AI Era” and “U.S. Export Licensing for Importers” at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, the seminars will include “Studying in the U.S. and Student Visas”, “USAID Development Work with the Private Sector” and “Doing Business with the U.S. and Business Visas.” The show will remain open for visitors all three days. The entry fee for this year’s show is Tk. 30 per person. Students in uniform or with identity cards will be allowed free entry. There will be attractive prizes for a few lucky visitors, based on a raffle drawing of entry ticket coupons after the Trade Show. In 1988 it started to operate as American Bangladesh Economic Forum (ABEF) and in 1996 established formally as The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, AmCham with an objective to promote the economic relationships between Bangladesh and the United States of America. It promotes exchange of information between Bangladesh and the US with a view to stimulating greater understanding about each other's potentials and opportunities.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said border killing is very unfortunate and they are in regular consultations with India to ensure that border forces don’t apply any force that might cause fatalities. “We are against border killings. We – the two countries - are working so that it does not happen. We are working in that direction. We are in regular consultations,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The foreign minister made the remarks when a journalist wanted to know Bangladesh’s position regarding recent border killings. Two young men from Bangladesh were reportedly shot and killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday, as they allegedly tried to cross into India near Tetulia upazila in Panchagarh. Minister Hasan said the issue of killings along the border will be discussed when Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra comes to Bangladesh. He said India is Bangladesh’s immediate neighbour and they have many issues with India. “Naturally, different issues will be discussed.” Kwarta is likely to be in Dhaka tonight (Wednesday) as part of "high-level exchanges" between the two countries. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Thursday. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will host a lunch in honour of his Indian counterpart during his brief visit. Speculations are rife regarding the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India within the next couple of months. The preparatory issues may also come up for discussion during Indian FS's engagements in Dhaka, said a diplomatic source. Though there was no official announcement from Dhaka and New Delhi regarding the visit, the Indian FS was scheduled to be in Dhaka on a brief visit on April 20 but it was postponed. “Look, elections are underway there (in India). It (visit) was postponed because of various internal (India's) reasons,” Foreign Minister Hasan told reporters when asked about the reasons behind the postponement of the visit at that time. Diplomatic sources indicate that PM Hasina's visit to India is planned for early July, after the conclusion of the neighbouring country’s election. Pre-election surveys suggest a strong showing for the coalition led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely anticipated to secure re-election. "Prime Minister's (Sheikh Hasina) India visit will definitely take place. However, it will take place after the election in India," FM Hasan said recently. He said it is not yet discussed at the official level when the visit will exactly take place. In January, Modi extended warm congratulations to PM Hasina on her electoral victory, expressing hopes for the continued strengthening of the historically close ties between India and Bangladesh. The last bilateral engagement between the two prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023, where Bangladesh was the guest country. PM Modi is expected to extend invitations to South Asian and BIMSTEC country leaders for his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation. The government of India in March extended Kwatra's tenure by six months. Kwatra assumed charge as India’s foreign secretary on 1 May, 2022 and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu's upcoming visit will have a focus on the Rohingya crisis.  "Look, Donald Lu is coming mainly to discuss the Rohingya crisis," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question.  Other issues will certainly come up for discussion, Hasan said.  The Foreign Minister, however, did not share the date of Lu’s arrival in Dhaka. The Foreign Minister said 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. 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 Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen apart from his courtesy meetings with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and PM's adviser Salman F Rahman, the source told UNB.  The Foreign Minister said the relations between Bangladesh and the US will be further strengthened through the visit.  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 US 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, were on 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 cooperate together in the future," Eileen Laubacher told reporters in her very brief remarks.

The High Commission of Singapore in Dhaka hosted a reception on Tuesday evening to mark the inauguration of the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Bangladesh. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Terming the inauguration of the High Commission premises of Singapore a historic moment in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Singapore, he expressed hope that fresh opportunities for cooperation to forge a stronger bond between the two countries have been created.

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh soon. A diplomatic source last week indicated that he 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 Foreign Secretary Masud Bin 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." Read more: Indian foreign secretary due Wednesday 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. Read more: Hasan Mahmud inaugurates Singapore High Commission in Dhaka