United News of Bangladesh

Sweden has offered Bangladesh to work for green transition in the garment sector on  partnership basis. The European nation made the offer when its ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde met State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Sunday at his ministry office at the secretariat. The Swedish envoy also discussed how to contribute more to the development of renewable energy in Bangladesh. During this meeting they discussed various issues related to mutual interest. The ambassador, while discussing green transition, renewable energy and Sweden's position on the issue, said  Sweden and Swedish companies have been working with Bangladesh in the garment sector for almost 40 years and H&M, IKEA and Lindex are among them. Welcoming the ambassador Nasrul Hamid said that Bangladesh is working sincerely to promote renewable energy. He informed the Swedish envoy that generation of 12,047 MW of electricity from renewable energy sources is ongoing and under process. Of this, implementation of some solar power projects having 3253 MW capacity are in progress and another 7861 MW solar power projects are under process. He said more research is needed on wind power, although wind mapping has already been completed. The state minister hoped that by 2041, 40 percent of total electricity will come from clean energy. "One of our challenges is to ensure uninterrupted electricity for all at an affordable cost. Renewable energy requires huge investment", he told the ambassador. He emphasised development and expansion of smart grid and transmission and distribution systems for their further modernisation. "The government is trying to increase the share of renewable energy in the national grid," he added. Lovisa Hofmann, the Head of Political, Trade and Communication Department of the Embassy of Sweden, was present on the occasion.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has called for 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" in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia.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. He sought a solution to the Rohingya crisis through international intervention and implementation of judgement of the ICJ. The Rohingya crisis has entered its 7th year, and Bangladesh is hosting the largest refugee camp in the world. "It is our duty to assist in fulfilling the desire of these homeless people to return to their own country. As solution through the court is a long-term issue, we must keep the momentum going," said the foreign minister. He appreciated the voluntary contribution and pledge of some countries and urged all Member States to commit to contribute generously to this cause. The minister said OIC should continue initiating dialogue with the governments and inter-governmental bodies like the UN, EU, and other organizations to diffuse the elements that is instigating islamophobia and creating an environment of intolerance. "Bangladesh is the largest contributor in force for peacekeeping, and we are ready to assist in this crucial area when the world is facing new conflicts and challenges," he said. Hasan called for taking appropriate measures to implement the Trade Preferential system of OIC, which will create further trade and investment opportunities for the member states. Through increased intra-OIC trade "we will be able to resist unwarranted decision of the global blocs' which are at times detrimental for our interest, he mentioned. "This is important for the LDCs and the Middle-Income countries, particularly after the Covid 19 pandemic and the ongoing global financial instability," he said. Hasan laid emphasis on working together in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. "We need to create a world free of hunger, poverty, and ensure climate resilient development," he said. OIC is a platform where, as a member of the Muslim Ummah, we share our burdens and responsibilities. Hasan said it is through their concerted effort that they will be able to build an Ummah of shared peace and stability. President of the Republic of The Gambia Adama Barrow and OIC Secretary GeneralHissein Brahim Taha, among others, were present.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said Awami League does not have any conflict with the US. "But if telling the truth hurts their interests, then nothing can be done," he said. Quader was speaking at a press conference organized at the political office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina in the capital's Dhanmondi area. Those who want to keep govt under pressure are themselves under pressure: Quader  During the Vietnam War, various universities, including Columbia University in the United States faced hurdles as they raised voices against the war, Quader mentioned, adding that such types of repression are still going on. " At least 2500 people were arrested due to the protest." "Why has the question of friendship with the United States been raised for telling the truth?” he said. He said: “They talk about the human rights of our country. Can’t we talk about the human rights situation of their country? Why don't they see human rights in their own country, like Bangladesh? We did not mention that we do not have a friendship with them.” He said when the opposition party in our country committed arson terrorism, attacked the police, set fire to the police hospital, vandalised the residence of the Chief Justice, and attacked journalists, the United States remains silent. BNP should learn from Pakistan PM's statement : Quader US President Joe Biden said his country is not authoritarian. But the definition of authoritarianism in the current US scenario is something different, he questioned. Regarding foreign pressure, Quder said the pressure is there, but it is global economic pressure. Like many other countries across the world, Bangladesh is also facing hurdles due to the Russia-Ukraine war, he added. “Bangladesh is not free from the influence of the war. Import-export, energy, and dollar crisis are related to the economy. Consequently, we are under pressure,” Quader said. People have no interest in BNP’s negative activities: Quader About Upazila polls, the AL leader said Awami League did not allot the party's electoral symbol to candidates in order to make the elections more participatory and competitive. “This does not mean that other parties cannot allocate symbols for elections, if they want,  they can choose their party symbol ” he added. Among others, AL Organising Secretaries Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapon, Mirza Azam and SM Kamal Hossain, were also present at the press conference.

Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali has called upon the Asian Development Bank to make its climate financing concessional while placing five specific proposals regarding measures for tackling immediate economic concerns of the developing member countries (DMC) at this turbulent time. In placing the proposals on Sunday he said geo-political uncertainties are disproportionately affecting impoverished segments of the globe.  Taking macro economic predicaments into consideration, policy-based support and concessional financing would be instrumental in tackling immediate economic concerns of the developing  member countries, Ali said while delivering his statement at the business session of the Board of Governors 57th ADB Annual Meeting here in Georgian capital city. 

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masatsugu Asakawa on Sunday said ADB will remain equipped to support people of the region in a "rapidly changing global and regional landscape" with their focus on key directions. “ADB’s new operating model will continue to emphasize climate action and private sector development. To advance our shifts under the new operating model, and ensure accountability, we will also introduce new ways of working,” he said. These include new digital tools, regional work programs, and corporate performance indicators, he added.  The ADB President was addressing the business session of the Board of Governors at the 57th ADB Annual Meeting here in the Georgian capital.  Chair of the Board of Governors Lasha Khutsishvili and Bangladesh Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali, among others, were present.  ADB sets record with $1.42 billion net income allocation from ordinary capital resources in 2023 This year, Asakawa said, ADB will use the Strategy 2030 midterm review, and the Corporate Results Framework for 2025-2030, to learn and continue to evolve support to clients.  ADB will "effectively and efficiently" use its newly expanded lending capacity to support key priorities, along with their members most in need, he said. "We will finalize the fourteenth replenishment of the Asian Development Fund. This will allow us to support the region’s poorest and most vulnerable countries until 2028," said the ADB President.  The ADB President said the outlook for Asia and the Pacific remains solid.  However, he said, over the past year, developing member countries (DMCs) have confronted the growing challenges of climate change, conflict, food insecurity, and increased debt. The climate crisis in particular threatens the region’s development.  2023 was the warmest year on record. Last year also saw disasters, many from natural hazards, affect about 44 million people in Asia and the Pacific. ADB’s major capital management reforms from the past year unlocked up to $100 billion in new lending capacity for the next decade.   Similarly, the new operating model (NOM) has enabled the lender to deliver better, faster, and more tailored support to developing member countries. "More broadly, our performance last year demonstrated strong progress in areas that are key to achieving our priorities," said the ADB President. ADB Operations in 2023 ADB committed $23.6 billion in loans, grants, guarantees, equity investments, and technical assistance in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year. This included a record $9.8 billion in climate finance from ADB’s own resources, representing 41.5 % of its total commitments. Derivative products will be launched in stock market by 2025: BSEC ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department committed $3.8 billion for non-sovereign operations, with a significant increase in lending for frontier economies. ADB met its corporate financing targets for health, gender, and education, and it is on track to meet the ambition for food security financing. “Asian Development Fund commitments reached $721 million in 2023, and we project this to increase to $865 million in 2024. ADB also introduced favorable concessional lending terms to small island developing members,” the ADB President said. ADB launched the Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific, a landmark guarantee mechanism to scale up the region’s climate investment.  "At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, we unveiled our Climate Change Action Plan for 2023-2030," said the ADB President.  "This will guide support to our DMCs in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions and mobilize finance to help countries transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient economies," he added. The ADB President said ADB looks forward to its continued collaboration to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran has urged expatriate Bangladeshis to project the nation’s rich history, culture and heritage on foreign soil. He requested all to work together to transform Bangladesh into a hunger-and poverty-free developed and prosperous “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal) as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC welcomed Bangla Noboborsho (Bangla New Year 1431) on Saturday (May 4) with much enthusiasm and fanfare.  It also organized an “Open House” program as part of the “Passport DC’s Embassy Tour 2024”. To welcome the Bangla Noboborsho, a Mangal Shobhajatra was brought out from the embassy.  The procession returned to the embassy after parading the nearby streets of the US capital. Foreign ministers of Bangladesh and Egypt discuss Rohingya crisis Led by the Ambassador, embassy officials and employees and their family members and invited guests took part in the rally carrying traditional Bangladeshi musical instruments, masks and various other items. Alternate Executive Director of the World Bank Sharifa Khan and a large number of foreign guests and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora were present at the event. The key attraction of the program was a spectacular cultural show which presented Bangladesh's rich culture and heritage.  The cultural event started with a rendering of Biswa Kabi Rabindranath Tagore's song “Esho hey Boishakh, esho esho” by officials of the embassy and their spouses. Later, artistes of “Aparajeyo Bangla”, a Bangladeshi cultural group, and children of the officials of the lembassy enthralled the audience by singing patriotic songs and performing dances. Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to the countrymen, expatriate Bangladeshis and US citizens on the occasion.  He highlighted the illustrious history of Bangla New Year celebration, saying “Pahela Baishakh” is an integral part of Bengali culture and heritage, and the most universal festival of the nation. The Ambassador also mentioned that Mangal Shobhajatra has been declared as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2016.  Over 5,000 foreigners and local residents visited the Bangladesh Embassy to enjoy the daylong program.  Traditional Bangladeshi foods were displayed and served for the guests. A number of stalls showcasing Bangladesh's traditional handicrafts, including Jamdani and Tangail sarees, were set up at Bangabandhu Auditorium.  Lot of challenges, but we see great real progress in Bangladesh: ADB's climate envoy The visitors with great interest also collected posters, leaflets and books which portrayed the history of Bangladesh’s independence, Language Movement, and development as well as rich culture, heritage and tourist spots. First Secretary Ataur Rahman conducted the function, while Counsellor and Head of Chancery Shamima Yeasmin Smrite was in charge of overall coordination.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud meet with Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt on May 4, on the sidelines of their participation in the work of the fifteenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference currently being held in Gambia. According to a report of the Al Ahram newspaper, Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and Director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, stated that the two ministers stressed during the meeting the close historical relations that bring together the two countries, and expressed their aspiration to improve these relations by developing frameworks of cooperation in various fields. The two ministers also expressed their aspiration to strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks, especially since the two countries enjoy membership in a number of organizations and groupings, most notably the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Group of Eight Developing Countries, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Muslim unity can play crucial role in resolving Palestinian crisis: Foreign Minister In this context, Minister Shoukry expressed Egypt's interest in enhancing trade exchange between the two countries and encouraging the establishment of joint projects in free economic zones in Egypt, specifically in the Suez Canal Special Economic Zone, due to its promising and diverse investment opportunities. The Foreign Minister also appreciated Bangladesh's humanitarian role by bearing the burden of hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees, expressing Egypt's support in this regard, through the contributions of the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. Abu Zeid revealed that part of the meeting dealt with areas of coordination between the two sides in international forums, where the two ministers praised the level of coordination and cooperation as it exists. Bangladesh, Gambia keen to strengthen trade, investment ties The official spokesman concluded his statements by noting that the two ministers exchanged views and assessments regarding a number of regional and international issues of common concern, most notably the developments in the situation in Gaza and the Egyptian efforts aimed at resolving the crisis, as well as the tensions in the Red Sea region and their repercussions on international navigation and trade. At the end of the meeting, the two ministers agreed to continue consultations to maintain the pace of communication between the two sides, and to coordinate positions on regional and international issues of common interest, as well as within multilateral frameworks.

Bangladesh and Egypt have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation by organising regular foreign office consultations. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry had a meeting on Saturday afternoon on the sidelines of the opening session of the 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Gambia and discussed issues related to mutual interest, including increasing trade and investment between the two countries and the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh looking forward to boost trade with Gambia in agriculture At the meeting, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud proposed mutual visa exemption and trade expansion with Egypt and the Egyptian foreign minister initially agreed in principle to sign an agreement on diplomatic and official visa exemption Besides, the Egyptian foreign minister assured that his government would give full support to the construction of the Chancery building of the Bangladesh mission in Egypt. After that, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Deemah Al Yahya paid a courtesy call to Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud. Muslim unity can play crucial role in resolving Palestinian crisis: Foreign Minister The Secretary General informed the Foreign Minister that the member states of DCO are drafting an agreement titled 'Multilateral AI Agreement' on International Use of Artificial Intelligence. Deemah Al Yahya expressed sincere interest when the Foreign Minister invited him to visit Bangladesh to see the progress of Bangladesh in the field of information and communication technology. He hoped that there would be an opportunity to expand the field of cooperation of DCO with Bangladesh in the field of information and communication technology through this visit.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has suggested Bangladesh to think of ways for accelerating adoption of renewable energy across the country as intensive heat in the country will further increase the demand. "One of the challenges that Bangladesh will face is the increase of demand for energy," ADB's climate envoy Warren Evans told UNB, noting that Bangladesh is already taking really good steps for awareness building on the risks of intensive heat for people, specially the women. He said investment is required in the coming years to be able to survive and grow economically in the face of climate impact. "It is going to require a substantial investment." Warren provides broad oversight and guidance for ADB’s climate operations, including optimizing climate finance scale and impact, mobilizing new and additional technical and financial resources, strengthening ADB’s external climate partnerships and engagement with international climate agreements and initiatives, and reinforcing capacity development for climate change operations. Responding to a question, he said it will require a lot of policy and regulatory reforms. The envoy referred to a policy based loan (PBL) with Bangladesh that looks at those policy and regulatory reforms. He said that was set in place, giving a new direction for ADB"s system in Bangladesh, which is largely focused on climate action. "So, there are a lot of challenges, but we see great real progress," said the climate envoy. He mentioned the "Gender and Heat Initiative" launched recently to better understand and invest in adaptation to the impacts of heat stress on women and girls across Asia and the Pacific. Under the new technical assistance program, ADB sees how the growing threat of heat stress affects women and identify specific policies, actions, and investments that can help governments reduce the impacts of heat on women and girls. The initiative marks ADB’s commitment to integrating heat action-planning into all new operations in vulnerable regions, focusing on enhancing women’s climate resilience and advocating for gender-responsive measures. The programme covered Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan. Extreme heat has been linked to more than 650 billion hours of annual labour losses worldwide, equivalent to about 148 million full-time jobs—a scale of disruption comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Women are disproportionately affected by these rising temperatures, facing life-threatening conditions and substantial socioeconomic losses. The programme aligns with the bank’s ambition to provide $100 billion in climate financing from its own resources from 2019 to 2030, including $34 billion for adaptation. In 2022, ADB committed $7.1 billion of climate finance, including $4.3 billion for mitigation and $2.8 billion for adaptation. The bank mobilized an additional $548 million in climate finance from the private sector last year. Warren said Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to every climate impact - storms, floods, and droughts. "Bangladesh is highly exposed to all these." He, however, said Bangladesh has taken very serious actions already in terms of disaster management, ensuring less impact when any disaster comes. The climate exert, a special senior advisor (Climate Change) at the office of the President at the Asian Development Bank, said Bangladesh and India are well advanced in terms managing disasters and rest of the world will learn from these two South Asian countries. To mitigate intensive heat-related problems, he said some fairly simple measures can be taken. It will require more sheds and early morning system so that employers can make their workers aware of the heat. In rural areas, he said, it is all about water and making it available to everyone. "There are many things that can be done."

Bangladesh and The Gambia are willing to trade and investment cooperation apart from exploring opportunities to export of manpower from Bangladesh to Gambia's agriculture sector. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Gambia’s Foreign Minister Dr Mamadou Tangara had a bilateral meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the OIC's 15th Summit pre-peparatory Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Banjul and discussed the areas of cooperation. Minister Hasan proposed the formation of a Joint Business Taskforce, coordinated by the apex business organisations of the two countries, to expand trade cooperation between Bangladesh and Gambia. The Gambian Foreign Minister expressed his deep appreciation to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her solidarity with the Muslim Ummah by sheltering Rohingya refugees displaced from Myanmar. He also thanked the Bangladesh government for its financial assistance in the Rohingya genocide case, according to a media release on Saturday. Minister Hasan congratulated the Gambia Foreign Minister for chairing the OIC's 15th Summit Pre-Preparatory Foreign Ministers' Meeting and expressed his hope to work together to enhance cooperation in various fields of the OIC during Gambia's presidency. During the meeting, Hasan expressed satisfaction at the existing friendly relations between the two countries. The Gambian Foreign Minister praised Bangladesh's remarkable success in the agricultural sector and expressed his intention to expand trade cooperation between the two countries. In the meeting, the Foreign Ministers of both countries emphasised the OIC's strong role in resolving the Palestinian issue. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the OIC, Dr Javed Patwary, were present at the meeting, among others.